Detailed player ratings from Celtic’s trip to Dingwall, as they faced Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium…

Kasper Schmeichel – Making a good early save to parry Ross County’s first shot on target, he would become a hero for 30 seconds or so after stopping Ronan Hale’s initial penalty with his hands. Unfortunately for the Denmark legend, he had stepped off his line, meaning the spot-kick had to be retaken, which Hale dispatched into his right-hand corner. Apart from this exchange, the keeper had nothing of note to deal with, as his attackers ensured his winning start to the domestic season continued. 6

Alistair Johnston – Shaking off his recurring back knock to be fit for this one, Johnston was solid enough in the first half, as he tried to find Kuhn further forward with both passes and crosses. He would be Celtic’s most important player following the restart, as McGregor’s shot hit off the Canadian and into the back of the net. He would then play a surging pass forward that found Kuhn, who scored the all-important winner with a great bit of individual play. Despite having a bit of an off day, he would be vital in Celtic achieving victory in Dingwall. A brilliant contribution. 8

Auston Trusty – Given a lot of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, the USA international didn’t really put a foot wrong, though his distribution could have been a bit quicker when passing to his teammates further forward. He was in the wars with a couple of crunching duels with the Ross County attack, though was undeterred and kept battling, keeping things tight at the back as Celtic pushed forward. 7

Liam Scales – An ever-present starter for Celtic, Scales started this game positively, with his distribution and defending sharp for the majority of the first half. Despite this, he would be the guilty party for the penalty, as his outstretched arm caught the ball from a crossing position, forcing VAR to intervene and award the hosts a penalty. Was spotless apart from this blot on his copybook – another win for Celtic with Scales in the team. 6

Alex Valle – Making his first league start since joining on loan from Barcelona, the left-back displayed his inverted positioning almost instantly – a key feature of Greg Taylor’s game, the man he replaced in the team due to injury. One of Celtic’s better attackers on the day – which says a lot – Valle got forward so much more in the second half, giving Ross County lots to think about on the left flank. Positionally a bit awry, but a solid first start in the Premiership for the young Spaniard. 7

Callum McGregor – The best of a bad bunch at the break, the captain tried his hardest to get Celtic forward at every possible opportunity, though that was easier said than done. Both Engels and Hatate were posted missing, leaving McGregor to drive forward on more than one occasion. He would prove to be the catalyst following the restart, as his shot deflected off of Johnston and into the back of the net. He drove his team forward – displaying a real captain’s performance – as Celtic got the win that their possession deserved. 8

Reo Hatate – Winning the battle to start over Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan respectively, Hatate was trusted to bring some creative spark in the middle of the park for Celtic. This was not the case in the opening half, as the Japan midfielder was largely anonymous in the contest, allowing the game to pass him by. Despite endeavouring after the restart to make something happen for his side, he was replaced by Luke McCowan for the final 30 minutes. 5

Arne Engels – After a dismal showing in Dortmund for the former Augsburg man, Engels was expected to bounce back in this one. Unfortunately for the Belgium international, he did the opposite, as the midfielder was extremely wasteful in both dead-ball situations and in open play. After being virtually non-existent for the opening 15 minutes of the restart, he was replaced by Paulo Bernardo. A bad week all in for the record-signing on the park. 4

Nicolas Kuhn – The early signs for Kuhn looked promising, as the German winger looked to have the beating of his marker right from the off. Inexplicably, Celtic then decided to focus on the left side through Maeda for the majority of the first half, leaving the right winger isolated. Kuhn would have his big moment – his 14th contribution of the season – as he was delivered the ball by his fellow right-sided player Johnston. Cutting inside, he had the chance to pass to Kyogo but elected to side-foot the ball past Laidlaw in the Ross County goal. Another massive moment from Celtic’s player of the season so far – he got the club out of a hole today. 8

Adam Idah – Picked over Kyogo Furuhashi for this one, the Irishman sent two headers over the bar in the opening 10 minutes – getting involved early doors on the attack. Despite these half-chances, the big man would be starved of service for large spells of this game, in turn getting very little of the ball in possession. He was replaced by Kyogo after an hour played. It was a disappointing afternoon for Celtic’s number nine. 4

Daizen Maeda – Celtic’s most dangerous player on the park in the opening half, Maeda had a number of opportunities to open the scoring. After being fed the ball through from wide, the Japan winger’s opportunity was saved by Ross Laidlaw. He then came close with a header that glanced just past the far post – Rodgers thought it was in on the touchline! Ran his race and was replaced by Forrest midway through the second half. 6

Subs:

Paulo Bernardo – Brought a drive and determination that was lacking in the middle of the park, alongside fellow sub Luke McCowan. Though he did not directly contribute, his efforts did not go unnoticed. 5

Luke McCowan – A calming presence in the middle, McCowan won his duels and got the team forward at every opportunity. He is already proving to be an astute signing for Celtic, as he keeps the tempo going whenever called upon. Was key in winning the foul that led to his side’s winner – here’s hoping he gets more game-time after the international break. 6

Kyogo Furuhashi – Endeavoured to get forward as much as he possibly could, the Japan striker had little service to work with for half an hour. Was offside for Kuhn’s winner – thank goodness the German winger did not pass to his teammate. 4

James Forrest – Came on for 20 minutes to support Valle down the left wing. A couple of nice runs, but nothing to really write home about. 2