Celtic player ratings for their 3-1 home victory versus Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup...

Kasper Schmeichel - It had to come someday. The Denmark captain conceded his first competitive goal for Celtic this afternoon, which was a tremendous header from Hibs’ Mykola Kukharevych. Into his far corner from a set-piece, this was the only bit of action that Schmeichel faced in the opening half. Apart from a couple of nice touches with regard to his distribution after the restart, he had a quiet game. Still, a calming presence at the back for Celtic. 7

Alistair Johnston - A game of two halves for the Canada stalwart, his crossing was very hit and miss in the opening 45, but his overall game improved tenfold following the restart. Steady defensively and a threat in the latter stages going forward, the right-back is getting back to his best at Celtic. A very promising 45 minutes in the second half, for sure. 7

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Despite picking up an early booking which lead to the concession of Hibs’ goal on the day, this was the only mistake the stopper made, as he ran the show from his own half in a dominating display from the American. Players must be pretty disheartened when they face up against the centre-back, and this was the case again today. Consistently colossal, is Carter-Vickers. 8

Liam Scales - For the most part, the defender did everything right which was required of him, though he did get beaten in the air for Hibs’ goal in this match. A couple of shaky moments in possession is par for the course for the defender, admittedly, though he didn’t do anything majorly concerning apart from some slack distribution. Better is required in this area - whether Celtic do so is another story. 6

Greg Taylor - A real positive in the first half, Taylor’s versatility and willingness to work his way into the box caused the visitors all sorts of problems on the left and in the centre of the park. Another strong performance at left-back for Taylor, who has started this season incredibly well under Brendan Rodgers’ guidance. Time will tell if he can replicate this in Europe in the coming months, but a solid showing from the Scotland international. 8

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Callum McGregor - A steady performance from the captain, who was allowed to break forward more frequently thanks to Taylor’s ability to cover him in midfield when he went on the attack. He really came into his own following the restart, contributing with some really effective interceptions on dangerous areas which allowed Celtic to keep Hibs at bay. A captain’s performance, and arguably the best player on the day, too. A truly brilliant display from the skipper. 8

Reo Hatate - 60 minutes of sheer class from Celtic’s number 41 until he tired, Hatate was again a joy to watch in the midfield for Rodgers’ team, orchestrating everything good about the side going forward with this play. Hatate takes risks, which more often than not pay off for his team. He created Maeda’s first goal with a lovely low cross which his fellow countryman made, and was involved consistently in the build-up of play. Despite dying down performance-wise, another good day for Hatate in the middle of the park. 7

Matt O’Riley - A quietly effective first 45 from the in-demand midfielder, O’Riley went about his business with class, though he allowed his fellow middle-man in Hatate to dictate. This would change after the restart, as the Denmark international pulled the strings offensively. Well-weighted passes, good crosses and interceptions were aplenty for Celtic’s number 33, who put in another clinic in the middle of the park. Class, but expected from O’Riley, as he continues to show no after effects from the constant speculatation in this transfer window. Here’s hoping he stays. 8

Nicolas Kuhn - Another standout showing from Celtic’s best player thus far this season, the German winger picked up another goal and assist, as his stock continues to rise following an excellent pre-season. Make that FIVE goal contributions in just three outings for the former Rapid Vienna wide-man. Playing his trademark outside of the boot cross into Maeda’s path, he helped himself to a well-earned assist, before profiting off of the goalkeeper’s lack of concentration to pass the ball into his net. Brilliant again from Kuhn, who is promising to be a massive player for the club with performances like these. 9

Daizen Maeda - The club’s Player of the Match, Maeda helped himself to two goals while leading the line this afternoon for Celtic, in a position that he plays for his national team in Japan. His first goal was a nice finish under pressure - as was his second, actually - with the winger moving onto the left after Adam Idah came on. Celtic may not need another striker if Maeda can keep these numbers when called upon. A hidden weapon for Rodgers to utilise when required. 8

James Forrest - turning back the years game-by-game, Forrest was effective in this game for the duration he was on the park. Cutting in at any and every opportunity, the veteran winger caused his marker all sorts of problems on the right, and was unlucky not to contribute with a goal or an assist on the day. He is a reliable option for Rodgers, who seems to be enjoying his twilight years for the club at the moment. 7

Subs:

Adam Idah - What a reception the towering striker received when he made his first appearance for Celtic after making his stay a permanent one. To be honest, this was not his best showing, but the game was essentially over by the time he made his way onto the field. A couple of nice interceptions, but his touch was wayward on more than one occasion. More to come, that’s for sure. 3

Yang Hyun-jun - Quite a few nice runs from the South Korea winger, who looked bright for the time he was on the park. A strong runner with the ball at his feet, whose versatility on both sides may save him from getting loaned out this summer. 4

Luis Palma - Good to see Honduras’ Palma back from injury, but he did little to impact in this cameo appearance. Here's hoping he can get up to speed quickly. 2

Paulo Bernardo - Very bright from the Portugal midfielder, who impressed on more than one occasion with the ball at his feet. A solid cameo from the newly-signed middle-man, who promises to be a good option in years to come. 4