Detailed player ratings from Celtic’s 5-0 win over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership


Kasper Schmeichel - The Denmark legend had a great view of Celtic’s first-half flurry of goals, as he had absolutely nothing to do in the opening half - outwith some nice passes and deliveries when afforded the ball. He did everything he needed to do and was rewarded with a quiet day’s work in the process. Nothing more to add! 7

Alistair Johnston - A constant menace down the right-hand side, the Canada full-back was a consistent option in an attacking sense, while also being solid when required to defend. Though he did not contribute via a goal or an assist, his energy and tempo were a nightmare for Don Cowie’s side to contend with. Got a well-earned break after 60 minutes, as Tony Ralston took to the field in his place. Solid again from Mr Consistent at Celtic. 7

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Retained his place despite the own-goal vs Club Brugge, the American had very little to do in a defensive capacity - he allowed his defensive partner Scales to take the limelight on the opposite end, too! A quiet game was exactly what the doctor ordered for CCV - he will have more to do in midweek, you would assume. 7

Liam Scales - A goal and an assist - both involving Luke McCowan - Scales’ return to the starting line-up was a successful one. He could’ve taken a strip after sitting on the bench these past few games, yet he bossed proceedings from the get-go, hammering home a header directly from McCowan’s corner. He would then turn provider, as his looping ball found the same man breaking into tho box, who dispatched it well. Had nothing to do defensively, as the second half was a bit of a procession. A brilliant showing from the Ireland international. 9

Alex Valle - This boy is all-action. Though some of his passing was a little awry, his constant running and eagerness to make things happen caused the visitors to Celtic Park all sorts of problems. Coming inside at will - as well as providing an out-ball out wide - the Spaniard was electric offensively while defending when required. The question must be asked if possible by Celtic to Barcelona if performances like this from Valle continue to transpire. A breakout showing from the La Masia product. 8

Callum McGregor - Back to his best after a couple of mixed performances, the captain was a leader in the middle of the park. He added to his ‘goal of the season’ competition with another sublime strike from range, as his strike from outside the box left Ross Laidlaw with no chance of getting anywhere near it. Was taken off early in the second half in place of Arne Engels, with the result very much secure at the time of his substitution. Brilliant from the skipper - back to his best at the right time. 8

Paulo Bernardo - After finally getting a chance to start for Celtic, he took said chance with both hands (and feet) with a quite sublime performance - though he was overshadowed by the man next to him! Still, his passing was positive, mixed with great movement and a maturity that is well beyond his years. He was rewarded with a goal of his own, a side-footed effort that beat Laidlaw following good work from Daizen Maeda - though his first shot was well blocked by the opposition’s defender. A brilliant showing - he’s put himself in the best possible place to push for a start next Wednesday. 9

Luke McCowan - By some distance the man of the match, McCowan managed THREE assists and one goal, in what was a quite sensational performance at home. Deserving of a start on the day, he may have played himself into contention for Pittodrie with a quite stunning showing. His goal was all about the quality of the ball from Scales, as well as the first touch from McCowan, as he finished it well despite the slight deflection on the shot. Assisting Scales, McGregor and Idah, this was a perfect showing from the midfielder, who has announced himself as a bona fide Celtic midfielder - if he hadn’t done so already. A scintillating showing from number 14. 10

James Forrest - The veteran was given a rare start in this one, and amazingly lasted the full 90 minutes. If luck was on his side, then he would’ve scored in the second half, but he was denied the chance of continuing his consecutive goalscoring record - at least for now. Quiet but solid from Forrest - he has a part to play this season. 6

Adam Idah - His best performance this season, Idah tormented the visitors with his physicality, movement and passing - which was a lot better today. His touch was on point, which meant he was being an effective teammate to his peers. His goal was the pick of the bunch - despite McGregor’s howitzer - as he nutmegged his man before unleashing a side-footed shot past Laidlaw in the Ross County net. If not for the bar and the sub-goalkeeper in the second half, then he would have been walking away with the match ball, in all honesty. He may have played himself into a starting spot against Aberdeen with this performance. Strong stuff from the Irishman. 8

Daizen Maeda - Many thought it would have been an early exit for Maeda after he felt his hamstring following an early attack which amounted to nothing. Thankfully, he played on and played a key role down the left side - a side which James Brown was struggling to contain the Japan winger. He would be key in the third goal, as his pass into Bernardo would lead to the midfielder scoring at the second attempt. With the game over at the break, Rodgers rotated, meaning Maeda left the pitch in place of Yang Hyun-jun. He will be required in midweek, that’s for sure. 7

Subs:

Yang Hyun-jun - afforded 45 minutes due to Maeda coming off as a consequence of the scoreline, Yang did well in his appearance off the bench. A good dribbler, he was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to find a man or get a shot away, though he did come close late on in the box. There’s something to work with here - his inclusion was a good sign that Rodgers sees that too. 5

Arne Engels - Replacing the captain on the hour mark, Engels came onto the pitch with little pressure, and it was a better showing from the Belgian because of it. Nothing of great note outwith a couple of nice passes, he showed good composure to keep the game ticking - though it was over as a contest. Rodgers has a decision to make on Wednesday in the midfield, that’s for sure. 5

Tony Ralston - Replacing Johnston after 60, Ralston endeavoured for 60 minutes, though the game was well over by the time he took to the field. Good to give him some game-time - an option if his fellow right-back is ever injured. 4

Reo Hatate - Came on in place of McCowan, and had a couple of nice passes here and there. Good to see him on the pitch once more, it will be intriguing to see if he gets the nod on Wednesday. 4

Greg Taylor - played the last 10 minutes or so in place of Valle. He was unfortunate not to score near the end. Like other positions, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod on Wednesday in this area. 3