Kasper Schmeichel - A very quiet debut for the Dane, who had very little to do concerning saves or defending in general. Even still, his distribution looks to be an upgrade on his predecessor, with the keeper lapping up the applause on both halves. A clean sheet on your first competitive game for Celtic - Schmeichel will not complain about a quiet day at the office. Tougher tests await, but he passed this one fairly easily. 7

Alistair Johnston - The Canadian had a quiet game for Celtic, which can be expected due to having no pre-season whatsoever and also because of Kilmarnock’s lack of an attack this afternoon. Playing 60 minutes before coming off for Ralston, he has been eased into the team, ahead of what you would think would be two gruelling tests against Hibs in the next two weeks. More to come from the right-back for sure. 6

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Colossal is a word used to describe the imperious defender, and it is one that sums him up perfectly. Kyle Vassell gave up with the defender after 10 minutes as he was getting no joy from the USA international, a compliment in itself. A master of shepherding the ball out of play, CCV bossed proceedings yet again, limiting Kilmarnock to precious few chances - none dangerous. Arguably Celtic’s most important player, the centre-back again did not put a foot out of place in this contest. Brilliant, but expected at this stage. 8

Liam Scales - Who had Scales on for the next goal-scorer? Indeed, the Irishman was there to head home a delightful ball from O’Riley via a corner, kissing the post before going in the back of Kilmarnock’s net. With more good passes than misplaced ones, the Irishman tried at every opportunity to try and get the attacks going, with a few starting some dangerous attacks thanks to their speed and accuracy. Many will say that better is required in this position, but Scales did himself justice today with a steady showing - helped by the man he was playing alongside, of course. 8

Greg Taylor - A solid showing from the Scotland left-back, who must hear chat about his place being at risk constantly. Calm in possession and always looking to influence the game when roaming into the middle of the park, Taylor did not put a foot wrong in this contest. Thanks to his former team not showing anything of great note in an attacking sense, he was allowed to get forward very consistently for his team. Steady from Celtic’s number three. 7

Callum McGregor - Quietly effective from the skipper, McGregor’s role in this team at the moment is to facilitate Hatate and O’Riley, while giving the defence another line of protection. Effective in possession and always looking to progress the game - either on his own or through his midfield partners - Celtic’s captain hardly put a foot wrong this afternoon. More of the same will do very nicely indeed. 7

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Reo Hatate - You know pretty early on in games what Hatate you’re going to get. Thankfully, this was the one that supporters know and love, as he was involved in everything positive in Celtic’s attacking play, including the opening goal. After receiving the ball just outside the ball, he deftly picked his spot in the left-hand-side of Robby McCrorie’s net. The standout player by a good distance today, Celtic’s number 41 could not be marked by Kilmarnock whatsoever, who could only be stopped by fouls in the middle of the park and beyond. An ominous sight for the rest of the league, this. Hatate is here to make up for lost time, and will likely take last season’s frustrations out on most of the teams he faces this campaign. A midfield masterclass from Celtic’s star man today. 9

Matt O’Riley - A man very much in demand at the moment, the Denmark international stamped his authority all over proceedings this afternoon, as he joined Hatate in terrorising Kilmarnock’s back-line for the duration of the contest. Positive, forward-thinking and graceful was the order of the day from the ‘Great Dane’, who looked to get forward and torment the visitors on countless occasions. A lovely assist from the corner for Scales’ well-placed header, and a classy showing all around from the 23-year-old. One more season, please! 8

Nicolas Kuhn - Returning to the team for the first time since his post-match knock in training, the German looked to get on the front foot whenever possible, starting off this game positively by doing just that. A couple of nice balls into the box were unfortunately unable to be capitalised on, though he continued to endeavour despite this. He would get his rewards in the second half, as his shot was deflected into the back of the net following a surging run on the right wing which was spotted by Kyogo. Start as you mean to go on - you get the feeling this is going to be a big season for the winger. Solid stuff. 8

Kyogo Furuhashi - It was a quiet first half for the striker apart from one shot which was well saved at close range from McCrorie, Kyogo dropped deep and looked to make things happen before making late runs into the box. He would come alive in the second half, with his deep positioning allowing him to find Kuhn with a first-time pass that got him in on goal. Amazingly not awarded a penalty following McCrorie’s clumsy collision in the box. The goals will come, of that we're certain. 7

James Forrest - Playing like an individual 5-10 years his junior, Forrest was solid for the duration he was on the park. Surging forward quite a few times, the veteran looked to get the ball into the box whenever possible. No goals or assists for the winger, but a quietly effective showing, again demonstrating his hunger to continue winning even in the latter stages of his career. Will be important this season in different stages. 7

Subs:

Luis Palma - Perhaps a bit aggrieved not to have started this one, Palma looked dangerous in his 30-minute cameo, looking to get forward and cause trouble at any opportunity. Positive signs from the Honduran. 5

Anthony Ralston - Put the proverbial icing in the cake with his goal right at the end - which sent Celtic to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. A well-taken finish through the legs of McCrorie, he lapped up his moment, as his substitution was vindicated on the park. 6

Odin Thiago Holm - A bright showing by the talented Norwegian, he added some needed energy at the end of the game. Managed a delightful nutmeg near the match’s conclusion, which will no doubt find its way online very soon. Promising. 4

Yang Hyun-jun - Came on late in proceedings and contributed a good run which could have manifested into a bigger opportunity. More to come, you would hope. 3