Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gordon Parks

Celtic player ratings as Daizen Maeda proves workaholic traits and focused Josip Juranovic bounces back

Celtic emerged as 2-0 winners in their Viaplay Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock.

The weather conditions were wet and wild at Hampden but it wasn't anything Ange Postecoglou's Premiership champions couldn't handle. They got ahead in the first half with a little stroke of luck, Kyle Lafferty's clearance going awry and Daizen Maeda was all too happy to see it bundle off him and into the net.

Giorgos Giakoumakis was subject of a penalty call claim that left Killie enraged in stoppage time but he proved his ruthless streak by netting less than a couple of minutes later to seal the win The Hoops now wait to see whether it's Aberdeen or Rangers they take on in next month's final, as they play the other last four tie on Sunday afternoon. Here is how Record Sport rated the Celtic players in Mount Florida.

Celtic player ratings

Joe Hart: Tipped an early McKenzie effort past a post but rarely troubled in first 45 minutes as Killie shoved several half-chances wide of his goal. Brilliant 76th reaction stop to deny Doidge. 8

Josip Juranovic: Back in the side and gifted away possession for early McKenzie chance. Rattled a shot off target which shoiuld have been testing Walker but looked far more focused after criticism for Old Firm horror show. 6

Cameron Carter-Vickers: In cruise control at the back as matched up against Lafferty and Vassell. Strode forward to crack a second-half shot over the top. Composed, assured and never appeared rushed or ruffled. 7

Carl Starfelt: Ropey distribution in opening stages and should have been cautioned for clattering into Vassell. Stepped into midfield throughout the contest to trigger attacks but unconvincing when pressured. 6

Alexandro Bernabei: Escaped early caution call after catching Armstrong with a swinging arm. Targeted by Killie in opening stages and allowed Armstrong to get inside him on several occasions. Continually stepped in to midfield to create space down his flank. 6

Aaron Mooy: Superb flighted free-kick allowed Celtic to break the deadlock and the architect of some of his side's more creative moments. Denied by Walker save after 84th minute shot from edge of the box. 7

Callum McGregor: No frills display as midfield anchor as he kept his side playing on the front-foot. Linked well with Kyogo at Maeda's offside strike and skipper went through a power of work with the minimum of fuss. 7

Reo Hatate: Robbed of possession a couple of time in opening spell but main midfield controller as picked his passes intelligently. Left bemused after having a 50th minute strike ruled out for offside. Tired and replaced by O'Riley. 7

Kyogo Furuhashi:
Dovetailed with Maeda superbly and unlucky to be ruled marginally offside in build-up to Maeda's disallowed effort on the hour mark. Heavy conditions limited his attacking threat. 6

Daizen Maeda:
Huge stroke of luck at opener as Lafferty's attempted clearance rebounded off his shoulder and into the net. One effort ruled out for offside but a huge influence in typical workaholic display. 8

Jota: Deployed on the right flank and switched to the left after the break where he began to become an influence on proceedings before being replaced but another who found the conditions a restriction to his talents. 6

Substitutes

Matt O'Riley: Added a freshness to Celtic's midfield after coming on for Hatate. 3

Liel Abada: Given the last 15 minute in place of Jota and nodded a gilt-edged chance wide three minutes from time. 2

Giorgos Giakoumakis: Subject of transfer speculation but on for Kyogo and so fortunate not to concede injury time penalty for barge on Wrigh before slamming home killer second. 3

James Forrest: Replaced Maeda late on to offer an attacking threat on the left but little impact of note. 2

David Turnbull: On for last few seconds but involved in side's second after having his shot blocked by Walker. 2

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.