Celtic fielded a strong lineup against Alloa Athletic in their Scottish Cup 4th Round fixture at Recreation Park. The League One outfit lost all 10 previous encounters versus the Glasgow giants and the outcome this evening was no different either even though the Hoops survived a late scare in a 2-1 triumph.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their edgy win against Alloa Athletic.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Did well to deny veteran Conor Sammon who almost pulled off an equaliser on the break. The Irishman eventually found the net late in the game to keep the hopes of Alloa alive.
Anthony Ralston: 7
Mostly spent his time high up the pitch with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides from the right-hand flank. Did not have much to offer in the defensive third.
Stephen Welsh: 6
Returned to the starting XI and enjoyed his minutes in the heart of the backline. The hosts failed to threaten enough. However, he switched off completely when Sammon headed home without any trouble against the run of play.
Carl Starfelt: 6.5
Was in the right place at the right time while performing his defensive duties. Played the ball out from the back to build up moves from the deep.
Liam Scales: 7.5
Impressive down the left as his inch-perfect cross was converted by Giakoumakis to earn the Hoops an early lead. Kept on whipping in crosses to create menace in Alloa defence.
Yosuke Ideguchi: 7
Was handed a start after a midweek cameo versus Hibernian. Controlled the game well with his movements and quick link-up play. A rough challenge from Mouhamed Niang injured the Japanese midfield ace around the hour mark. He was forced to leave the pitch for Nir Bitton.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
The skipper, too, had to leave the pitch with a head knock late in the first half. James McCarthy replaced him in the middle of the park.
Tom Rogic: 7
Celtic’s Aussie wizard was denied by David Hutton in the Wasps goal around the half-hour mark. His down the middle runs, one-twos and creative spark never allowed the home side to settle down in the centre of the pitch.
Liel Abada: 7.5
His stellar strike from yards out made all the difference in this close contest. Had to go through strong challenges all evening before leaving the pitch with a toe injury early into the second half. Filipe Jota replaced him down the wide areas.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
Mostly operated from the flanks. Came close to finding the net a few times, but the ‘number 9’ role suits the Japanese better.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7.5
Found the net early into the game. Should have grabbed a few more with better finishing and a sense of positioning while spearheading the attack.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Alloa Athletic
James McCarthy: 6.5
Average from the veteran who came on for McGregor who left the pitch early with a head injury.
Filipe Jota: 7
His flair and footwork down the left kept the hosts on their toes.
Nir Bitton: 7
Tried to settled things down and dominate possession in midfield.
