Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic FC are going through a busy schedule but are yet to slip-up in both domestic and European outings. They are not only progressing steadily towards the group stages of Champions League competition but also clinched two crucial Premiership victories against Hearts and Partick Thistle. Following a 5-0 League Cup triumph against Kilmarnock 10 days back, the Hoops were set for another encounter against Killie away from home at Rugby Park this afternoon. The Scottish Premiership clash, however, ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for the reigning champions who are eyeing for their seventh consecutive league title.
Rodgers banked on a few of his Academy prodigies who impressed the gaffer during pre-season. Below are the Celtic players rated from this fixture.
Craig Gordon: 6
Although the home side had a few goal-bound movements, the veteran Celtic custodian was largely untested. Impressed with his outing and allowed a youthful back-line to defend with discipline.
Anthony Ralston: 7
The young right-back was handed a start ahead of experienced Mikael Lustig following his impressive performance against today’s opponents a few days back where he netted his first goal for the club in a 5-0 win. The teenager impressed once more with overlapping runs, crosses and maintained defensive regulations.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
The Norwegian teenager was handed a start against his former club where he spent a few months on loan earlier this year. The 6 ft 5 in tall centre-back did well in absence of injured Dedryck Boyata, Erik Sviatchenko, and Jozo Simunovic. Was good in the air, kept on threatening Kilmarnock back-line from set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney: 7
The young left-back played in a makeshift central defensive role. Pulled off a few crucial blocks and tackles in both the halves. Was replaced by Nir Bitton with 20 minutes to go.
Calvin Miller: 7.5
The teenager impressed with his forward runs and crosses, also linked up beautifully with Armstrong, McGregor, Rogi, and Benyu down the left-hand flank. Came close to scoring but his effort was denied midway in the second half.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper used his experience, combated well in midfield, screened his rookie back-line whenever needed and spread the game to the flanks to create more space up front.
Stuart Armstrong: 7.5
Signed a new two-year deal recently, enjoyed his football at Rugby Park this afternoon as he worked hard, kept on changing flanks and combined well with attackers.
Callum McGregor: 8
Another steady performance from the Scottish midfielder who helped his midfield as well as participated in attacking movements simultaneously throughout the game. Doubled Celtic’s lead in the closing minutes as he finished calmly after picking up Rogic’s pass.
Tom Rogic: 9
The Australian international was excellent with his holding and dribbling skills, controlled the game exquisitely and beat two men before sliding the ball to James Forrest who slotted home. He was the creator again in Celtic’s second goal in the closing minutes of the game when he ran with the ball from halfway and placed it for Mcgregor who calmly converted.
Kundai Benyu: 6.5
The former Ipswich Town midfielder had two appearances in European competitions this season and was handed a start on the left-hand side of Celtic’s front three. He worked hard, played some smart one-twos and tried to make attacking contribution using the width of the pitch. Was replaced by right-back Mikael Lustig late in the second half.
James Forrest: 7
The winger started as a centre-forward and netted the crucial goal in the first half after picking up Rogic’s majestic delivery and slotted home with great technique. Was replaced by star striker Leigh Griffiths with twenty minutes left.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths: 6
Came in place of Forrest in the second half. Impressed with his movements inside the box.
Nir Bitton: 6.5
Replaced Tierney to add experience in the back-line to protect the narrow lead.
Mikael Lustig: 6.5
He was brought in to fortify the defence, protect the young full-back Ralston and add experience in the defensive line.
