Celtic limped over the line in lacklustre fashion to secure their passage to the next round of the Scottish Cup against Auchinleck Talbot.
Auchinleck had to move the game to Rugby Park after their own stadium was deemed not suitable enough to fulfil the tie.
That worked to Celtic’s advantage as 9,000 away fans packed out the stands to see a much-rotated XI put out by Martin O’Neill.
As expected. Celtic had all of the possession and were tasked with breaking down a well-organised Auchinleck side, who would sit deep on the edge of the box to deny players the chance to make something happen.
Chances were few and far between for the Bhoys but they eventually broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark as Johnny Kenny made amends for all of his missed chances in previous weeks with a prodded finish from Luke McCowan’s cross.
The second half was also a slow-burner and took until just past the hour mark for the Hoops to double their lead – or at least they thought – as Kenny’s delightful dink was ruled out for offside.
Sebastian Tounekti made sure of the win with a stunning long-range effort, but it merely papered over the cracks.
- READ MORE: Celtic could face a Hearts side without three key players after suffering new injury blow
My Celtic man of the match against Auchinleck is…
Celtic player ratings
Viljami Sinisalo – 5
Had one shaky moment in the first half but other than that, he had very little to do.
Anthony Ralston – 4
150 appearances in the green and white for Anthony Ralston today. Didn’t need to do much.
Dane Murray – 4
After no start since his calamitous showing against Hearts, coming back into the team and getting the win will bring himself some confidence. Still not sure if he is good enough to make it long-term.
Stephen Welsh – 4
Sprayed some nice long-range passes and was comfortable at the back. Will face much bigger tests going forward, though, where he can be judged properly.
Colby Donovan – 5
Filled in at left-back and has proved that he is versatile in all areas of defence. Makes him a valuable asset in the squad.
Callum McGregor (C) – 3
Probably could’ve rested him but even he wasn’t firing on all cylinders.
Paulo Bernardo – 2
Now we understand why he hasn’t been getting much game time this season.
Luke McCowan – 3
Provided an assist for the goal and saw a lot of the ball but wasn’t overly inspiring and won’t be troubling for a spot in the starting XI.
James Forrest – 3
It is quite clear that he has lost a yard of pace, which is out of his control due to age. Nothing more than a bit-part player these days.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 2
A huge chance for the winger to show what he could do. He missed a sitter in the first half and it feels like whatever he does in a green and white shirt, it isn’t going to click.
Johnny Kenny – 4
It’s felt like forever, but Kenny is finally on the scoresheet again. Exactly what you want to see from a striker, getting in the right position and taking your chances. A much-needed confidence boost.
Name three players you would sell in the current Celtic side
Substitutes
Sebastian Tounekti – 5
Benjamin Nygren – 5
Liam Scales – 4
Shin Yamada – N/A
Reo Hatate – N/A
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