High-flying Celtic hosted Falkirk this afternoon in the Scottish League Cup quarterfinal. The Bairns have been enjoying a boisterous run in the Championship and they put the Hoops under immense pressure by grabbing the lead twice in the first half. But a quick-fire double from Adam Idah, followed by a brace from ‘super sub’ Nicolas Kuhn saved the Bhoys from a massive upset at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 5-2 win against Falkirk.
Kasper Schmeichel: 6
Yet to concede a goal in the Premiership, the veteran Dane was stunned by the minnows on two occasions. Could have done little to stop either goal, but he pulled off a crucial save to deny ex-Celts youngster Calvin Miller.
Anthony Ralston: 6.5
Got the nod ahead of Alistair Johnston. Could not close down Finn Yeats who had a free header into the back of the net to restore Falkirk’s lead moments before the half-time break.
Stephen Welsh: 6
Welsh, too, should have done better with his positioning during Yeats’ goal. Made some routine blocks and clearances, but the centre-back failed to offer stability against the visitors’ direct play. Made way for Maik Nawrocki in the closing minutes.
Auston Trusty: 6.5
His first start in Celtic colours was not at all comfortable. Did the basics right in the heart of the backline, but the USMNT international needs more time to settle in and secure a starting status ahead of Liam Scales.
Alex Valle: 6
Set it up for Paulo Bernardo who volleyed it expertly to make it 1-1 midway through the first half. But the young left fullback struggled physically throughout the game as he was at fault for both the Falkirk goals. Not a debut the Barcelona loanee had hoped for before making way for Greg Taylor around the hour mark.
Callum McGregor: 7
Celtic dominated the possession in the centre of the pitch and the skipper made his presence known with down-the-middle runs, through balls and passing variation while operating from his deep-lying role.
Paulo Bernardo: 8
Scored spectacularly to make it 1-1 with a first-time strike. Created a few chances, but the Portuguese midfield ace failed to cause menace from set-pieces.
Reo Hatate: 6.5
Made some swift runs in and around the box for Idah. Ran out of steam with time and was replaced by Arne Engels around the hour mark.
James Forrest: 6
Forced Nicky Hogarth to make a save early into the game. Hardly had an impact otherwise and the gaffer Brendan Rodgers opted to take him off as well in favour of Kuhn.
Luis Palma: 5.5
A rare start for the Honduran down the left-hand flank. Tried to offer his creative spark high up the pitch but his touches and passes were often too heavy. Made way for Yang in the second half.
Adam Idah: 9
Looked a bit isolated initially, but the arrival of Yang and Kuhn made things easy for the Irishman. Picked up Kuhn’s pass both the times before firing twice in two minutes.
Celtic Subs Vs Falkirk
Arne Engels: 8
Made an impact as he set it up for Kuhn’s first around the 81st-minute mark.
Yang: 7.5
Looked purposeful with his tricky runs since replacing Palma down the wide.
Nicolas Kuhn: 9.5
A sensational cameo from the attacker as he not only assisted Idah twice but also netted on two occasions to make it 5-2 in favour of Celtic.
Greg Taylor: 7
Valle had a hard time down the left and the Scotsman restored balance and stability between attack and defence.
Maik Nawrocki: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
