Celtic’s trip to Victoria Park Dingwall to encounter 8th placed Ross Country in the last fixture of Scottish Premiership first phase was all about maintaining their unbeaten status in the league having won the silverware already a few weeks back. But the outing did not prove to a stroll in the park for the Hoops as the home side came back twice from behind to finish it all square against the Champions.
Below are the Celtic players rated from the fixture.
Craig Gordon: 6
The goalkeeper made a couple of saves in quick succession minutes after Michael Gardyne’s equaliser early into the second half. Was strong with his outing and aerial presence. Could have done little to deny Gardyne’s header and Liam Boyce’s late spot-kick.
Jozo Simunovic: 5
Started the game strongly but lost the composure during the second half. Looked vulnerable at times and conceded a late penalty that helped the Staggies to draw a late equaliser.
Erik Sviatchenko: 5.5
Played in the middle of Brendan Rodgers’ ‘three in the back’ formation. Had a nervy second half like Simunovic that allowed Ross County attackers to create chances in the attacking third.
Kieran Tierney: 7.5
The teenager delivered another impressive display. He not only concentrated on his defensive duties but also broke the deadlock in first half unleashing a low shot from 25 yards out.
James Forrest: 5.5
Had an early chance to score from six yards, but his effort was deflected away from goal. Impressed with his twists and turns, but lacked the end product. Was taken off and replaced by Patrick Roberts in the second half.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
Did well to hold the shape in midfield. Linked up well with fellow attackers with his runs and through balls. Should work on his shooting skills; needs improvement.
Stuart Armstrong: 7
Armstrong started the game a little behind than he usually does. Switched the game in both flanks and linked up well to form a goal-bound threat. Was unlucky not to score and seal the deal for the Hoops as his free-kick hit the woodwork from 25 yards.
Scott Brown: 5
The skipper started the game from the left-hand side of the midfield. Later he switched to his usual central role since the introduction of Gamboa as Rodgers decided to switch to back 4. Lost his cool after Liam Boyce’s late equaliser from the spot and was sent off for a nasty tackle on the Northern Irish international.
Tom Rogic: 5.5
He had his moments in the first half and also registered an assist to set up Tierney’s 25-yard strike, however, the Australian international had a quiet outing since the break and was taken off to be replaced by Cristian Gamboa.
Scott Sinclair: 6
Kept the County defence on toes with his pace, power and directness. But his efforts lacked end product throughout the game.
Moussa Dembele: 5
The Frenchman was kept quiet by the Staggies and could not create notable opportunities barring a few half chances. Was replaced by Leigh Griffiths in the second half.
Substitutes
Cristian Gamboa: 7
The Costa Rican international left an impact from the bench by setting up the Hoops’ second goal to restore the lead. Troubled the Staggies’ back-line with his forward runs.
Leigh Griffiths: 6.5
Tested the keeper with his long distance effort minutes before Roberts’ goal. Did well with his movements inside the box.
Patrick Roberts: 7
The Manchester City loanee had an impressive cameo as he restored the lead with a perfectly placed side footed effort to beat past Ross County keeper Scott Fox.
