Detailed player ratings from Celtic’s 3-0 win over St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley…


Kasper Schmeichel – Another game where the Denmark captain was a literal spectator for Celtic, the goalkeeper had one half-save to make in the match, which was tame from the St Mirren attacker. Make that three clean sheets in four for the influential figure – who will no doubt have a busier game next week versus Rangers. Good with the ball at his feet, too – a welcomed addition to Celtic’s backline. 7

Alistair Johnston – The Canada international seems to love playing at the SMiSA Stadium, doesn’t he? Another strong Paisley outing for the right-back, who endeavoured to get forward and make a nuisance of himself at every opportunity. His cross to Maeda for the second goal was great thinking – quick, too – as one long ball sent the left-winger on his bike. He would get on the scoresheet in the second half, thanks to a brilliant cutback on the byline from substitute Nicolas Kuhn, which the defender finished in style. He is slowly but surely turning up the gears in his overall performance, with the team benefitting from his upturn in form. 8

Cameron Carter-Vickers – A shaky first-half from the usually-solid centre-back, it was his defensive partner in Scales that kept things calm in the backline. Despite this, no massive mistakes from the American, though these are moments that better teams than St Mirren will capitalise on – especially when playing in the Champions League. He needs to up his game for next week – we think he will. 6

Liam Scales – More solid than his aforementioned partner at the back, Scales imposed himself in this game by staying strong and doing everything required of him defensively. His distribution was of a better standard, too, as he made things tick when moving forward, making himself a positive presence on the game as a whole for Celtic. One of the best players on the park today – he deserves his credit when it is due. A solid outing. 8

Greg Taylor – Not as good a performance as his last three outings for the club this season, Taylor still was solid enough, though he was caught out a couple of times when pushing forward for his side. Nothing major to worry about – he has been immense to start the campaign – though he will have to get back to that level next weekend versus Rangers -if he plays. Solid enough, but not as influential as he was in previous outings. A big week in his position – in more than one way. 6

Callum McGregor – This is becoming quite the occurrence for the captain. Ever since he announced his international retirement, McGregor has become a goalscoring machine from outside the box – his second away goal in as many games. Not just his strike, but the way he imposed his quality and know-how onto proceedings. A quality operator, who looks to have gained another yard or two following his international retirement. Class on grass from the skipper. 8

Reo Hatate – Matt who? Indeed, Hatate took up the departing O’Riley’s goalscoring exploits by scoring the second goal of the afternoon, following a lovely lay-off from Daizen Maeda via a header. Involved in everything positive in the first half, the Japan midfielder stamped his authority and class all over this game. Neat passing, good movement and a goal to boot – Hatate stepped up today and showed why he is the most talented midfielder in the country. A classy showing from a very classy player. 8

Paulo Bernardo – The only midfielder for Celtic NOT to score in the opening half, Bernardo was arguably the pick of the three for the best player after 45 minutes! Great off the ball and inventive on it, the Portugal U21 stalwart announced his return to the starting line-up in a good way, being a useful outlet on both ends of the park. Technically sound but more than willing to dig in when required, a very good showing from the £3.5 million summer signing. 8

James Forrest – Another solid outing for the veteran winger, who was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in this one. His game has changed ever so slightly – given his decrease in pace due to age – which means that he has to pick and choose his moments. At this stage of his career, any impact from Forrest is welcomed, but the level he continues to show is a real testament to his commitment and drive. Solid. 7

Adam Idah – Not his best afternoon, the Irish striker battled hard, but nothing came off for him. Still not fully match-fit, Idah had a couple of half-chances that he squandered, on a day that he led the line from the start. Nothing concerning, but a bit of an off-game from the £8.5 million signing from Norwich. He hit the target on two occasions but failed to break his permanent duck. Hopefully, he can do so next week. 5

Daizen Maeda – Picking up an assist for his fellow countryman in the shape of Hatate, the winger – playing on the left today – put in a hard shift as expected. Hassling his opposing defenders by way of pressing, number 38 made his presence felt in this game – in a good way. A strong defensive showing, with some real quality moments going forward. Was unlucky with a header late on in the match. A tireless individual, who is adored by his teammates because of the hard work he puts in. 7

Subs:

Nicolas Kuhn – Despite having not trained all week, the winger still had to get in on the act, feeding Johnston with a delightful cutback to make it 3-0 in the second half. Fast, direct and dangerous, the winger looked like he had not missed a beat whatsoever – Celtic’s in-form player is still very much that. A brilliant cameo from the German. 6

Kyogo Furuhashi – Good to see the striker back, but his long wait for his next league goal away from home continues. Still, he looked sharp, as he prepares to play his favourite opponent next week. You would not bet against him to do the business once again. 3

Odin Thiago Holm – Another positive showing from the Norway youngster, who put himself about well on both ends. 4

Tony Ralston – Came on late for Greg Taylor at left-back but did little to impact proceedings. 2

Francis Turley – A great moment for the 18-year-old, who made his competitive debut late on. Hopefully, many more to come for the Northern Irishman. 2