Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Lindsay Herron

Celtic player ratings v St Mirren as Liel Abada lights up 5-1 thumping of Paisley men

Celtic have emphatically regained their nine-point lead in the Premiership.

They suffered a shock start when Saints took the lead with an Alex O'Hara penalty after a Greg Taylor handball that was confirmed by VAR - and it was a frustrating first half. However, when Charles Dunne was sent off just before half-time for pulling back Kyogo Furuhashi their task was made easier.

The introduction of Liel Abada at half-time was the catayst as he set up Jota for the leveller and the scored the third after Alistair Johnston had headed home the second. Matt O'Riley and Oh Hyeon-gyu, with a penalty, highlighted their superiority.

READ MORE: Giorgos Giakoumakis denied dream Atlanta debut as former Celtic star suffers offside 'winner' pain

How they rated

Joe Hart- 6

Caught some good crosses but little to do all day. Made a decent attempt on O'Hara's penalty

Alistair Johnston - 8

A moment to savour with a committed challenge at he back post to put Celtic ahead. Some great inter-play with Jota coming forward but found Small quite tricky when the Saints full back got forward.

Cameron Carter-Vickers -7

Handled Curtis Main very well but he was a virtual spectator as Celtic had so much of the ball. Decent shot saved by Carson

Carl Starfelt -7

Another strong performance but like his defensive mate he was hardly challenged especially when Saints went down to 10 men just before half-time.

Greg Taylor - 6

So unlucky when the ball hit his arm early to give Saints a penalty but it looked like the right call. Not as impactful as he has been

Aaron Mooy - 7

Loads of possession and did his best to unlock the Saints defence. It was his free kick that set up the second goal in a blistering second half.

Callum McGregor - 7

Moved the ball well enough but was not getting the movement he needed in the first half. Strolled it after the break.

Reo Hatate- 6

A surprisingly quiet performance for February's Premiership player of the month. Replaced early in the second half.

Jota - 6

Quit day but it was his goal that drew Celtic level. Forced a good save out Trevor Carson midway through the first half and unlucky with a deflected effort

Kyogo Furuhashi - 6

No real service in the first half despite Celtic's dominance of possession. No real chances either and replaced by Oh.

Daizen Maeda -5

Another struggle for the Japanese attacker who didn't get much change out of Marcus Fraser or Thierry Small

Subs:

Liel Abada - 8

Replaced Maeda at half-time made the difference. His directness was key. Set up the leveller and scored the third to ensure Celtic got the win they wanted

Oh Hyeuon-gyu - 5

Came on for Kyogo on 65 minutes and got his reward by slotting a penalty.

Matt O'Riley -6

Replaced Hatate just after the second goal and promptly got his first league goal of the season.

Sead Haksabanovic - 5

Got some more game time with the Hearts double header coming up

Tomoki Iwata - 5

Made little impact as he still feels his way into the team

READ NEXT:

- Ben Doak caught up in ugly Liverpool vs Porto scenes as ex-Celtic kid plays part in Youth League win

- Arsenal 'name transfer price' for Celtic diehard Kieran Tierney amid Newcastle United interest

- Rangers and Celtic 'biggest disparity' highlighted by Andy Halliday as he makes windows claim

- Micah Richards hails Celtic recruitment as he reveals 'bad thing' about Ange Postecoglou transfers

- Kyogo Furuhashi EPL suitors told Celtic would need 'big money' as pundit namechecks two clubs

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.