Celtic collapsed to an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden.
Celtic got a shock early on after St Mirren captain Marcus Fraser opened the scoring in the second minute as he outmuscled Reo Hatate as the Hoops conceded yet again from another corner.
However, after almost conceding a second, Wilfried Nancy’s side rallied as Celtic put the Buddies under some serious pressure before Hatate’s excellent 23rd-minute equaliser.
The Hoops, with over 73% of the possession, really should have been in front after Kelechi Iheanacho had a header saved point-blank by St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George.
Hatate, Maeda and Iheanacho had further chances to put Celtic ahead as the Bhoys turned up the heat, but both teams went in 1-1 at the break.
The second half was an absolute disaster for Celtic as St Mirren sucker-punched Nancy’s side with a Schmeichel horror-show for the Buddies second goal and then a brilliant counter-attack to seal the cup win after Ayunga grabbed his second of the game.
So with all that to take in, here are 67 Hail Hail’s player ratings as Celtic, and Wilfried Nancy, bottled the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren.
Is this the end for Wilfried Nancy?
Celtic player ratings vs St Mirren after shocker in the Premier Sports Cup final
Kasper Schmeichel – 5
No chance with St Mirren’s opening goal. Schmeichel didn’t really have much to do in the first half except pick the ball out the back of the net. Had a shocker at St Mirren’s second.
Anthony Ralston – 5
Deployed as a right centreback, Ralston performed well after a shaky start. Offered an outball on the right but never offered an attacking threat like Tierney did. Subbed off injured in the 73rd minute.
Auston Trusty – 5
Often left as the solitary defender, Trusty showed some good mental strength on some one v one situations. Central defenders exposed at both St Mirren goals.
Liam Scales – 4
Put in a few good crosses as Scales almost created two goals in the first 20 minutes. Defensively, the Irishman was a bit unsure. Misplaced passes and
Kieran Tierney – 6
Tierney was lively and put in a few excellent crosses early doors and created the assist for Celtic’s equaliser. Put in a great attacking shift in the first half. Was anonymous in the second half and was subbed off in the 71st minute.
Reo Hatate – 5
Powder puff at St Mirren’s opening goal. Almost caused a second goal as Hatate failed to track his runner. Scored Celtic’s equaliser as the Japan midfielder redeemed his poor start to the game. Only got a five due to his goal.
Callum McGregor – 5
Showed drive and determination as McGregor put in a captain’s performance. Controlled the midfield. Was Celtic’s best player on a day when hardly any got passmarks.
Arne Engels – 4
Very quiet first half as Engels struggled to get a grip of the midfield. Didn’t really have his passing boots on. Didn’t contribute much in Celtic’s transition and was too passive.
Daizen Maeda – 4
Maeda struggled in the first half as the Celtic striker failed to muster a shot on target. Poor control let him down on numerous occasions early in the game. Worked hard tracking back in the first half. Was posted missing in the second half.
Sebastian Tounekti – 4
Struggled for the first 25 minutes of the game as Tounekti struggled to get into a groove. However, midway through the first half, the Tunisian looked more confident and direct. The winger looked a different player in the second half and was nowhere to be seen. Taken off in the 72nd minute.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6
Looked lively in the first five minutes showing drive. Unlucky not to score in the 10th minute. Iheanacho pestered the St Mirren defence. Subbed off in the 34th minute. Celtic missed him when he went off.
Johnny Kenny (sub) – 3
Brought on to replace Iheanacho, young Kenny was rarely involved apart from giving the ball away for St Mirren’s second goal. Did nothing of note in the game.
James Forrest (sub) – 3
Replaced Tounekti with 18 minutes to go but never Forrest never imposed himself as he normally does in big games for Celtic.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 4
Brought on to replace Kieran Tierney. Failed to track his runner at St Mirren’s third and did nothing of note when he came on.
Colby Donovan (sub) – 4
Almost pulled a goal back for Celtic late on as Donovan forced a fingertip save from Shamal George. Couldn’t really impact the game and was maybe too high up the pitch for St Mirren’s third goal.
Hyunjun Yang (sub) – 3
The South Korean was brought on in the 84th minute but there was nothing Yang could do as the game was already gone.
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