Celtic ran riot against Aberdeen as they warmed up for the Scottish Cup final in style with a 5-1 win.
Brendan Rodgers rang the changes for Celtic at Pittodrie, allowing fringe players such as Johnny Kenny a much-needed chance in the first team as eight new faces came into the starting XI with one eye being cast towards the Scottish Cup final.
Maik Nawrocki looks likely to move on in the summer but may have given the Celtic boss food for thought after excelling on his return to the side, opening the scoring with a brilliant header from a corner.
Aberdeen answered back after Nawrocki’s goal through Kevin Nisbet minutes before half time after a brief pause in play due to a fan-related issue in the stands as he beat Jeffrey Schlupp in the air with ease and headed past Viljami Sinisalo.
Then, in the eighth minute of first half stoppage time, Hyun-jun Yang was able to score from close range after exceptional work from James Forrest.
Luke McCowan then picked up where the Bhoys left off as he took his time to take the ball from Forrest, shift the ball onto his favoured foot and rifle it high into the top corner.
Johnny Kenny then piled on the agony as he scored on his first start for his beloved club before Aberdeen were reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute as Alfie Dorrington received a second yellow card.
With only seconds left, Adam Idah netted his 20th goal of the season as he tapped home from a yard out.
With that, here’s how 67 Hail Hail rated the individual performances of the Bhoys in action.
Celtic player ratings vs Aberdeen
Viljami Sinisalo – 6
Would argue that he should’ve done better for the goal but other than that, a very quiet night for the 23 year old.
Anthony Ralston – 6
A solid enough performance but nothing major of note to takeaway from it. Unlikely to see him play again this season after Alistair Johnston was given some minutes from the bench.
Maik Nawrocki – 9
Fantastic performance from Nawrocki, who was a cut above the rest. Deserved his goal, defended brilliantly and may have even forced his way into contention for the Scottish Cup final. Why oh why has Brendan Rodgers not been playing him more often?
Auston Trusty – 6
Didn’t look as convincing as his centre-back partner and was partially to blame for the hosts’ equaliser.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 5
The most disappointing player on the night. Beaten far too easily in the air for Aberdeen’s equaliser, looked lost when further up the pitch and Shayden Morris got the better of him a number of times in the first half.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
Not a vintage game for the captain but kept things ticking over in the middle of the park and provided a bit of experience.
Luke McCowan – 6
A first start for McCowan since March and another solid outing from the midfielder. A seventh goal of the season early after the restart killed the game.
Paulo Bernardo – 6
Put in a delicious ball for Celtic’s opener and had a couple efforts on goal. Nothing spectacular but was decent enough and got some much-needed game time as he works his way back to fitness.
James Forrest – 7
Two assists for the old Bhoy at Pittodrie as he gave Graeme Shinnie nightmares down the right hand side all night.
Had two great chances to score and now only has two more games left to find it.
Hyun-jun Yang – 8
Another one of those who impressed on the night for Celtic. Pulled out a few fancy flicks here and there, turned on the after burners to beat his man and even scored. Looking like a real good impact sub option for the cup final.
Johnny Kenny – 7
Marked his first start with a goal and he really deserved it. Grew into the game as it went on and looked to stretch the Aberdeen backline.
A great talent and hopefully he gets more opportunities next season.
Substitutes
- Alistair Johnston – 6
- Reo Hatate – 6
- Adam Idah – 6
- Nicolas Kuhn – 6
- Sean McArdle – 6
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