Rangers’ draw against St Mirren earlier this afternoon handed Celtic a further boost ahead of hosting Ross County at Parkhead. Although the Staggies earned a surprise lead early into the second half, the Hoops bounced back instantly with two quick goals to stretch the lead to 9 points at the top of the Premiership standings.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 2-1 win against Ross County.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Could have done little to stop David Cancola’s spot-kick. Was hardly tested otherwise as the visitors had limited opportunities to threaten the champions of Scotland.
Anthony Ralston: 7.5
Kept on making marauding runs down the right-hand flank. Whipped in crosses and linked up with the wide attackers in and around the attacking third.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
His long-range effort was denied by Ross Laidlaw early into the game. Maintained his composure in deep defence, and also played it out from the back to script attacking transitions.
Moritz Jenz: 7
Started alongside Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Was in the right place at the right time before making way for Carl Starfelt due to an injury concern.
Alexandro Bernabei: 7
Much better from the Argentine even though he needs to show more calmness while performing his defensive duties. Made some impressive overlapping runs to exhibit his expertise high up the pitch. Was replaced by Greg Taylor in the closing minutes.
Matt O’Riley: 7.5
Conceded a spot-kick that earned the Staggies an unforeseen lead against the run of play. Dominated the show otherwise as he pulled the strings from the centre of the pitch.
David Turnbull: 8.5
Kept on creating chances with his box-to-box movements. Found the equalizer from a close range before playing his part in the build-up to Haksabanovic’s exquisite winning goal a few minutes later.
Reo Hatate: 8
Jinked past three opponent players before setting it up for Turnbull for the equalizer. Was unplayable at times with his tireless runs and movements in the middle of the park.
Sead Haksabanovic: 8
Scored the decisive goal with a curler that ended into the bottom right corner. Looked menacing from the right with his dribbles and cut insides. Made way for Liel Abada midway through the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Worked hard down the right as he covered a lot of ground to regain possession and move the ball forward. His efforts were off target though before being replaced by Filipe Jota.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Came close to finding the target time and again. But his attempts lacked accuracy on each occasion. Giorgos Giakoumakis was brought in his place midway through the second half.
Celtic Subs vs Ross County
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
His excellent defending saved the Bhoys from a setback minutes before the final whistle.
Filipe Jota: 6.5
Created a few chances for his fellow attackers with his tricky runs and swift skills.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 6
Wasted some opportunities late in the match.
Liel Abada: 6
Abada, too, could not grab his opportunities and find an insurance goal for the home side.
Greg Taylor: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
