An entertaining 4-2 draw on the road against FK Jablonec put Celtic in the driver’s seat ahead of tonight’s return leg contest at the Paradise. However, they still had to get the job done to secure a place in the Europa League playoffs and a comprehensive 3-0 win solved that ahead of hosting Hearts on Sunday afternoon in the League Cup second round fixture.
Ange Postecoglou’s men would lock horns with Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in the playoff tie.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their commanding win against FK Jablonec.
Joe Hart: 8
Pulled off a couple of stunning saves just over the hour mark and denied Jablonec from scripting a comeback. Two cleansheets in a row for the former England international.
Anthony Ralston: 7.5
Worked on his defensive composure and balanced his game all throughout with timely overlapping runs. Dribbled past the opponents successfully and was quick to cover the ground by tracking back frequently.
Stephen Welsh: 7.5
Maintained his composure while playing it out from the back. Was alert with recoveries, no-nonsense clearances and aerial supremacy. Had a couple of attempts off target at the other end of the pitch.
Carl Starfelt: 7
Looked a bit rushed at times while passing the ball, but the Swedish centre-half is doing well to attune to new surroundings after a difficult start.
Greg Taylor: 8
Was outstanding while setting up Turnbull’s opener midway through the first half. He skipped past a couple of Jablonec players before threading a stellar pass through to his fellow countryman.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
Dominated the midfield game with plenty of passes, runs and recoveries. Covered a lot of ground as always, and also assisted Turnbull for his second goal of the evening. Was taken off to be replaced by Nir Bitton in the closing minutes.
David Turnbull: 9
Was struggling for goals in the previous weeks but responded in a great manner with two outrageous goals. Got denied once by Jan Hanus moments before his first goal. Made way for Albian Ajeti with 15 minutes remaining.
Tom Rogic: 7.5
Controlled the show from the centre of the pitch with dribbles and down the middle runs. Got dispossessed a couple of times while attempting to offer creativity in the visitors’ half. Was replaced by Ismaila Soro late in the match.
James Forrest: 8.5
Found the net from six yards out to make it 3-0 around the 72nd-minute mark. A constant threat down the wide areas with his crosses and cut insides.
Ryan Christie: 8
The in-form winger delivered once again with his pace, flair and directness. Played his part in the build-up of Forrest’s goal before making way for Montgomery.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7.5
Could not beat the keeper one-on-one on a couple of occasions. However, his work rate was tremendous and the Parkhead faithful gave him yet another standing ovation while being replaced by Edouard.
Celtic Subs Vs FK Jablonec
Odsonne Edouard: 7
Almost found the net before the rebound from Hanus’ save was slotted in by Forrest.
Ismaila Soro: 6.5
Injected fresh legs in midfield and calmed things down during the final quarter of the outing.
Adam Montgomery: 6
A good few minutes for the youngster.
Albian Ajeti: 6
Headed just wide after picking up Forrest’s cross.
Nir Bitton: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
