Celtic were once again forced to field a side without an array of senior stars due to COVID-19 complications. They hosted Livingston at Celtic Park but settled for a stalemate surviving a late scare. Back to back draws have now shattered their ‘ten in a row’ mission unless a miraculous turnaround occurs in the upcoming weeks.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 0-0 draw against Livingston.
Conor Hazard: 7
The youngster was not tested much even though the visitors came close at times but could not keep their attempts on target. Had to earn his cleansheet though when he tipped Josh Mullin’s strike which came off the crossbar with 10 minutes remaining.
Anthony Ralston: 7
The youngster was a bit clumsy early on but settled in eventually and kept on making overlapping runs to combine with Frimpong and Turnbull down the right-hand flank. Could have made all the difference in the closing minutes, however, substitute Armstrong Oko-Flex could not connect to his low cross from inside the six-yard box.
Nir Bitton: 7
Returned after his suspension and did justice in the heart of the backline particularly after the wrath he faced following his marching orders against Rangers that proved costly. Scott Robinson was largely ineffective, thanks to the Israeli’s presence at the right place at the right time.
Shane Duffy: 6.5
The Brighton loanee is having a hard time since securing a summer switch to his boyhood club. But he had a decent outing overall with no-nonsense defending and timely blocks, recoveries and interceptions.
Diego Laxalt: 6
Was combative from his left-back slot as he tried to balance his game between attack and defence. But the Uruguayan needs to be more clinical in the attacking third.
Ismaila Soro: 7
Did his job by breaking down the Livi moves in the centre of the pitch. Helped the Hoops regain possession and dominate the game with more passes and down the middle movements. Tried to stretch it down the wide and apply his vision to break the opponents’ defensive line.
Callum McGregor: 6
Worked hard as he kept on carrying the ball forward from the deep and operate in the advanced areas. Linked up with the likes of Turnbull, Johnston and Rogic but his set-pieces and attempts from distance lacked the venom.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7.5
Lively from the right-wing role as he kept on cutting inside with his pace, swift footwork and flashy skills. Forced Max Stryjek to make a save midway through the first half and kept on setting it up for his teammates throughout the contest.
David Turnbull: 6.5
Was impressive early on as he created a few chances on his own. It’s too much to ask from the youngster though week in week out as he could not be their saviour this time with an underwhelming second half.
Michael Johnston: 5
Has recovered from long-standing injury problems but is yet to regain his form and fulfil the potential. Started from the wide but failed to make any notable contribution before making way for Ewan Henderson minutes after the hour mark.
Tom Rogic: 4.5
Not the same player anymore as he used to be. The Aussie international was largely disappointing as he kept on getting dispossessed far too easily. Could not create enough goal-bound opportunities and was taken off to be replaced by Armstrong Oko-Flex in the closing minutes.
Celtic Subs vs Livingston
Ewan Henderson: 5
Looked off-paced and out of depth since coming on to replace Johnston.
Armstrong Oko-Flex: 5
Could have been the Celtic hero but he wasted a glorious opportunity minutes before the final whistle.
