Celtic defender Colby Donovan in action during a game, as manager Martin O'Neill scratches his head in a circular inset.
O'Neill's men were outclassed on Sunday.Imago

Colby Donovan shines, appalling teammate gets 2/10 - Celtic player ratings vs Rangers

Evan Shaw

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at Football League World and Burton Albion FC; Derby University graduate. FOCUS Transfer coverage and behind-the-scenes insight across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed transfer reporting. He provides the depth behind the deals to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on

Celtic have been knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup after a 3-0 defeat away at Rangers on Sunday.

Dan Neil's first-half strike set Rangers on their way, before Kevin Kelsy's volley doubled the lead, with Neil then adding a stunning third in the 75th minute.

Martin O'Neill's side struggled to ever truly impose themselves on the game, and failed to create opportunities for their attacking talents to shine.

The result means that Celtic have already missed the opportunity to lift one trophy just weeks into the new campaign.

It was a hugely frustrating afternoon for the Bhoys at Ibrox, who simply could not live with their rivals' intensity and quality.

With that in mind, Football Insider rates the performances of every single Celtic player, following an abject performance from O'Neill's men.

Sam Johnstone appalling on Old Firm derby

Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was one of several players on the pitch who played in their first-ever Old Firm derby on Sunday.

However, it was a torrid afternoon for the Bhoys' new shot-stopper, who looked shaky from the very first kick and failed to instil any confidence in his teammates.

The 33-year-old's distribution caused issues for his team all afternoon, and a misplaced pass almost gifted Kelsy the opener inside the first 10 minutes.

Johnstone also looked extremely uncertain when it came to commanding his area and dealing with the set pieces that the hosts aimed into the box.

On the whole, it was a hugely concerning display from the veteran gloveman, who was worthy of little more than a 2/10 rating.

Colby Donovan the only bright spark

Colby Donovan had a difficult afternoon up against the lively Djeidi Gassama, but he largely marshalled the winger well through the 90 minutes.

He was left walking a tightrope for over an hour after he was booked just before the half-hour mark, but he didn't let that detract from his display.

It was far from a perfect performance from the young right-back, but he was arguably the only Celtic player to show any desire and pride in the shirt.

Donovan is always up for the battle of an Old Firm clash, and that was no different on Sunday, as he fought hard for every ball until the very end.

He was arguably the strongest performer for the Bhoys on the day, but even so, didn't justify any more than a 6/10 rating.

Celtic player ratings vs Rangers

Sam Johnstone - 2

Colby Donovan - 6

Mika Baur - 4

Kasper Hogh - 4

Substitutes

Haissem Hassan (46' Tounekti) - 4

James Forrest (64' Nygren) - 4

Shumaira Mheuka (77' Duran) - N/A

Jordan Lotomba (80' Tierney) - N/A

www.footballinsider247.com