Celtic player ratings vs Hearts as two 9/10 stars at their lethal best

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It was so important for Celtic to roar back against Hearts this afternoon.

The Hoops lost a fortnight ago in their most recent Scottish Premiership outing and had plenty of time to stew on that with 12 players away on international duty straight after.

Brendan Rodgers would have called for a dramatic upturn in performance and in the end, at home to the Jambos, he got what he called for.

Granted it was a slow start and Hearts played well early on but when Daizen Maeda slotted home the opener there was a sense that there’d be no way back for the visitors. That proved to be the case as Jota made it 2-0 and then Maeda netted again before the break.

The second-half brought much of the same albeit there was not too much more goalmouth action but the comfort with which Celtic won the game will have satisfied the manager.

67 Hail Hail takes a look at the player ratings from the Hoops’ 3-0 win in Glasgow…

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Celtic player ratings vs Hearts

Viljami Sinisalo – 6

Kept Hearts out with a decent stop in the first-half but wasn’t really tested much beyond that. Did well to deputise for the injured Kasper Schmeichel. Kept himself switched on.

Alistair Johnston – 6

Had a lot of making up to do after Rangers but started poorly with some questionable decision-making. Came into the game a bit in an attacking sense but he wasn’t really challenged by Hearts’ attackers.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6

Had a really difficult time against Elton Kabangu and conceded a lot of sloppy free-kicks. As Celtic took control of the game, though so did CCV at the back. Given the captain’s armband when McGregor was subbed.

Maik Nawrocki – 6

Comfortable enough afternoon for the Polish national as it seemed to be Carter-Vickers who was forced to compete with Kabangu. Settled after Hearts’ early pressure and did what was asked of him.

Jeff Schlupp – 6

Played his part in the opener by finding Callum McGregor in space for the pass. Won his battles on the flank and worked well with Jota on the left-hand side.

Callum McGregor – 7

Controlled the game for the most part and played in Maeda for the opener with a slick through ball. Mopped everything up defensively, too, and had a strike from distance saved by Craig Gordon. Was rested after the hour mark.

Arne Engels – 6

With McGregor back that allowed the Belgian to play slightly further forward in his preferred role and he looked more comfortable. Can’t say he was particularly influential on the proceedings but he quietly went about his business in the engine room.

Reo Hatate – 6

Sprayed passes about and looked for the ball non-stop. Like Engels he wasn’t necessarily a standout but he performed well and moved play from back to front. Was taken off for Luke McCowan with 10 to play.

Jota – 7

Read Kuhn’s pass for Maeda which the Japanese frontman headed off the post. Raced in at the back to tap home. Constant danger down the left and looked to get the cross in early as often as he could. Subbed.

Nicolas Kuhn – 9

Looked back to his best in the first-half with an inch perfect ball for Celtic’s second goal before a terrific run put it on a plate for Maeda to score the third. Given a rest when Yang replaced him.

Daizen Maeda – 9

Did what he’s done all season and put the ball in the net twice. His first was from a terrific run in on Gordon and his second was from making himself available for a square-pass from Kuhn. Hard to believe he’s more ‘comfortable’ on the left-flank. Subbed to give Idah an opportunity after long travel with Japan.

Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 5

Welcomed back with applause and won possession back more than once in the midfield.

Yang (sub) – 2

Didn’t see too much of the ball.

Adam Idah (sub) – 3

His link-up play was fine but not penetrative when asked to run at the defence with the ball at his feet. Needed Celtic to change their set-up to really suit him.

James Forrest (sub) – 3

Ran at the defence instantly after coming on and drilled in a cross or two that caused some problems.

Luke McCowan (sub) – N/A