Celtic Player Ratings v Hearts

Celtic booked their place in the quarter finals of the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over Hearts. Yet again the Hoops were sublime going forward although after two consecutive clean sheets, the defensive issues began to creep in again. 

Let’s get into the player ratings from Celtic’s fourth win in a row. 

Joe Hart - 5/10

The 36 year old was rarely called upon in goal despite conceding two. The Englishman cannot be blamed for either of the goals and he shouldn’t be disappointed with his contribution today. 

Anthony Ralston - 7/10

The Scot, once again, put in another appreciable performance. Ralston managed to get up and down the right hand side and put in some crunching tackles, particularly on Andy Halliday which the Celtic support enjoyed. The 22 year old remains the only right back at the club and may remain so even if another player is brought in in that position 

Stephen Welsh - 9/10

Stephen Welsh won headers, tackles and got his second Celtic goal when he overpowered Craig Halkett in the box. Despite a yellow card for a rash tackle, the 21 year old was fairly mature and his positional play showed experience beyond his years. 

Carl Starfelt - 6/10

The 26 year old was relatively untested in the first half although when Robbie Neilson introduced Josh Ginnelly at half time, the Swede looked rather quivery. This was proved when he conceded the penalty for Hearts first goal of the game. His clearance which led to the Jambos’ second was not the most convincing either. It will be an even bigger challenge for Starfelt on Wednesday evening against AZ Alkmaar. 

Greg Taylor - 7/10

Similar to Ralston, Greg Taylor didn’t stand out yet wasn’t substandard. The left back covered the whole of the left hand side and whipped several crosses into the box however many were slightly over hit. The 23 year old played the full ninety minutes for the fourth time in five games and continues to endeavour week in, week out. 

Callum McGregor - 8/10

The Celtic captain, once again, excelled in the pivot role in midfield. McGregor controlled the game and build up play and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in with the dirty stuff. When James McCarthy was brought on for his debut, McGregor was allowed to roam more freely and get forward. The 28 year old almost got his goal only to be denied by a splendid Craig Gordon save. 

David Turnbull - 6/10

David Turnbull was unable to add to his midweek double against Jablonec. The midfielder had a relatively quiet afternoon in the Celtic midfield and didn’t have any involvements of note apart from a free kick and a scuffed shot which nearly set up Kyogo Furuhashi in the first half. 

Tom Rogic - 8/10

The Australian found himself in some promising positions as a result of his characteristic close control. Rogic was unlucky not to get his goal today however he managed to set up one for Kyogo Furuhashi with an excellent threaded ball to open up the Hearts defence. The 28 year old continues his renaissance under Ange Postecoglou and was awarded man of the match within Celtic Park today. 

James Forrest - 7/10

Because of Liel Abada’s injury problems, James Forrest started in his natural right wing position for the second time in a row. The Scottish International provided great width to the Celtic attacks today. Fresh of the back of a goal against Jablonec, Forrest would’ve been aiming get on the score sheet once again this afternoon although similar to Rogic, managed to set one up. Forrest received Kyogo Furuhashi’s pass well and unselfishly set up Odsonne Edouard for the opener.

Odsonne Edouard - 9/10 

Odsonne Edouard enjoyed his most complete performance in a Celtic shirt so far this season. The Frenchman opened the scoring on the 29th minute with a simple finish and he also helped set up the Bhoys’ second. He received the ball from Kyogo Furuhashi from a short corner and crossed into the box for Stephen Welsh to nod home. Edouard provided a focal point to the Celtic attack today which was undoubtedly required against a physical Hearts defence of John Souttar and Craig Halkett. 

Kyogo Furuhashi - 9/10 

The Japanese goal scoring machine hit the back of the net yet again this afternoon. His powerful shot, from his weaker left foot, flew past Craig Gordon and into the roof of the net. The 26 year old’s movement and runs also helped decoy defenders and his nippy tackles and style of play helped win some free kicks although also gave away some. Furuhashi also played a part in Celtic’s opening goal, playing a lovely ball past the Hearts defence for James Forrest to knock back to Odsonne Edouard who was clinical from around seven yards out. Kyogo Furuhashi is continuing to prove his worth to Ange Postecoglou and Celtic. The Japanese has been one of the Bhoys’ standout performers so far this campaign. 

Substitutes

*Because Albian Ajeti and Ismaila Soro played just four minutes or so, they will not be rated. 

Adam Montgomery - 4/10

The academy graduate came on for the final fifteen minutes and was unlucky not to score his first senior goal for Celtic; his left footed strike was beaten away by Craig Gordon. The 19 year old could’ve also been  set up by Albian Ajeti who hesitated to play the pass. 

James McCarthy - 2/10

James McCarthy came on for the same amount of time as Adam Montgomery. The Irishman was rarely involved and his only piece of play I can recall was a stray cross field pass. There’s still plenty of time for McCarthy to integrate himself into the Celtic side though. 

Celtic will face a home tie against Raith Rovers in the quarter final of the Premier Sports Cup. This was probably the most favourable draw the Hoops could have received although I hope I’m not left eating my words in four weeks time. 

As always, thank for reading. My Twitter is @Josh_Footblog and I’d appreciate it if you gave me follow.