Detailed Player Ratings from Celtic’s 2-0 win versus Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this afternoon…

Kasper Schmeichel – Made the first save of the match, parrying Corrie Ndaba’s shot from outside the box. He would be called into action a number of times, both from open play and from set pieces, though he did his job admirably as you would expect. His distribution was good, too, allowing his side to play at speed when the ball came to him. Celtic’s player of the match on the day, it was clear to see why. He had to work for this clean sheet, though he deserved it at the full-time whistle. A standout. 10

Alistair Johnston – Thanks to the resolute style deployed by Kilmarnock, Johnston was restricted on the day in an attacking sense, though he was solid whenever in possession. Contributed to an important clean sheet, he will have better days on the front foot than this one, for sure. His solidity was rewarded with an assist, as he played the ball through to Kuhn who finished well. A good ending to proceedings for the Canadian. 7

Auston Trusty – A dependable player for Brendan Rodgers to rely on – both in fitness and ability – Trusty was in a battle for this one against the physicality of Kyle Vassell, though he passed with flying colours. One of the standouts on the day alongside Schmeichel and Nicolas Kuhn, Trusty was hard but fair, making interceptions and tackles when his side needed him most. Becoming a really important player for Rodgers’ backline, as Carter-Vickers’ fitness continues to be an issue. 8

Liam Scales – Restored to the team in place of Cameron Carter-Vickers, the Irishman had a battle on his hands with Vassell alongside Trusty in the heart of defence. Though not as composed as his defensive partner on the day, he did put his head and body on the line for the cause, as Celtic were under the cosh for large parts of the second half. He can be pleased with his contribution as part of a clean sheet-winning defence, though it certainly was not vintage. Did the job. 6

Greg Taylor – A quiet game from the left-back, who started his second game ahead of Alex Valle after his recent injury and phased return to the team. Defended well and kept it together, as Celtic managed to see off Kilmarnock’s advances and claim an important clean sheet on the day. Looking forward to seeing who wins the left-back battle between the Scotland international and his Spanish teammate. 6

Callum McGregor – Threatening from range, McGregor forced an excellent save from Robby McCrorie early on, before finding the back of the net just before half-time. A cross that was dangerous and whipped in with precision and accuracy, McGregor found the net again from outside the box, though this was clearly an attempted delivery to the oncoming Adam Idah up front. They all count, though, and the captain was rewarded for his attacking play. Did well to lead the team through a difficult spell, with a couple of crucial defensive interceptions that helped the team effort. Can put his feet up for two weeks now – no international football is a blessing for the skipper. 7

Arne Engels – A very quiet first half from the Belgian, Engels struggled to get anything going when in possession, perhaps not used to the physicality that Kilmarnock bring at Rugby Park. He broke forward a couple of times during his 60 minutes on the park, though he struggled to get anything positive going in an attacking sense. Another disappointing display from the record signing, who seems to be going up and down at the moment concerning his form and performance levels. Needs to up it as the games will come thick and fast from here on in. 5

Reo Hatate – After his immense performance versus RB Leipzig on Tuesday, there was a lot of hope that this was Hatate back to his best. While that was not necessarily the case today, he was probably the best out of the midfield three on the day. He always looked to make things happen on the attacking front, and held his own defensively, though he was lucky not to be in hot water following his late challenge on Liam Donnelly. He got away with it and was subbed soon after. 7

Nicolas Kuhn – The right-winger wasted his first opportunity, choosing the wrong option via a pass in the opening few minutes that wasted a good chance on the break. He would squander another big chance to double Celtic’s lead – after passing to McGregor for the opener – before showing everyone why he is currently the best player in Scotland. Pace, power and finesse were the order of the day for the German, as he used his talent to put the game out of Kilmarnock’s reach. Another big contribution from the winger – make that 21 goals + assists for him this season – in November! 8

Adam Idah – A frustrating afternoon for the big striker, who was wasteful in possession despite trying his best to put himself about. His touch was off, and he struggled to keep a hold of the ball in tight areas, though he was starved of pressure for large parts of the contest. Could not get a touch on McGregor’s cross that ended up in the back of McCrorie’s net, though it did not matter on the day. Contributed a nice touch to Kuhn just before he was taken off, though the winger did not capitalise. Quite a poor day for the forward, in all honesty. 5 

Daizen Maeda – You know what you’re going to get with Maeda, as his work-rate and drive was there from the get-go. Unfortunately for him, Lewis Mayo had a bit of a stormer, which meant the winger was kept quiet in an attacking sense. Will have better games, but his attitude and application were second to none. 6

Subs:

Paulo Bernardo – The midfielder came on and really put himself about, making himself a nuisance for Kilmarnock to contend with after Engels’ departure. Could be in line to start games after the break – you would not grudge him it. 5

Kyogo Furuhashi – A brilliant cameo from Kyogo, as his hold-up play and movement was far more effective than the player he replaced in Idah. Should have scored at the death, but a solid contribution from the Japan international. Here’s hoping he gets some game time for his country in the coming week or so. 5

Tony Ralston – Did his bit when coming onto a frantic Rugby Park pitch. A dependable defensive option off the bench for Celtic – unfortunate not to start more games thanks to Johnston’s good form. 4

James Forrest – The standout sub appearance today, Forrest contributed in such a good way for his side, driving with the ball and taking all of the defensive pressure away from the visitors on the counter. This was an excellent showing from the veteran – he can be extremely proud of his efforts this afternoon. 6

Luke McCowan – Came on with five minutes to go, he was unlucky not to score from distance, though he was effective at winning one foul in particular that totally killed the flow of the game in Celtic’s favour. More game time is coming after the break, you would assume. 5