Celtic player ratings v Hearts: Academy duo get 9/10
By Will Butcher
Football Insider rates the Celtic players after they beat Hearts 4-0 on Sunday at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership.
Craig Gordon 7 – The in-demand goalkeeper looked solid in between the sticks, without having to make any important saves. Distribution, though, was fantastic.
Cristian Gamboa 5 – A number of missed tackles and incidents of poor positioning allowed Hearts to get forward on Celtic’s right.
Jozo Simunovic 6 – Gave possession away far too cheaply on occasion, could lose place in side when Sviatchenko returns.
Dedryck Boyata 7 – Continued his resurgent form that has seen him return to Brendan Rodgers’ side with a fine display that saw him keep Bjørn Johnsen quiet.
Kieran Tierney 9 – Academy product was as consistent as ever. Looks a real talent at just 19 years of age as he made the left flank his own by getting forward but remaining defensive stable, too. Brilliant assists for Sinclair and Roberts goals.
Nir Bitton 6 – Made a number of important interceptions but was careless when in possession on occasion. Average performance, not showing enough following the signing of Kouassi Eboue.
Scott Brown 7 – Solid, consistent, effective. Leader Brown did things simply, but with aplomb. Good performance once again from the captain.
Callum McGregor 9 – Fantastic effort to control a fizzing pass, break past the Hearts defence and get his head over the ball to give Celtic the lead. Top performance from the Celtic academy product, could push Tom Rogic for number 10 role.
James Forrest 6 – Struggled to get involved on the right flank, had little impact. Made a number of darting runs into the middle but was unable to be found with a through ball.
Scott Sinclair 8 – Good creativity from the in-form Englishman to supply McGregor with opening goal. Slid in to double Hoops lead, before doubling from the penalty spot.
Patrick Roberts 7 – Roberts looked threatening when in possession, but it was rare that he was actually given time and space to provide a cutting edge. Good close range finish for third goal.
Subs:
Liam Henderson (Forrest, 67 mins) 6
Mikael Lustig (Gamboa, 77 mins) 7
Jack Aitchison (Roberts, 82 mins) 8
In other Celtic news, Leicester have targeted 25-year-old star as one part of three-man shortlist.
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