It was certainly not a vintage performance from Celtic – but it’s the victory that matters most.
Brendan Rodgers teased rotation before kick-off and he made four changes by going strong which had fans divided post-match.
Callum McGregor opened the scoring with a rifled effort from outside the area which is becoming a trademark of the captain’s.
Bobby Wales levelled despite a VAR check for offside but Daizen Maeda finished the job in the second-half to ensure Celts are in the hat for the next round.
67 Hail Hail looks at the player ratings from the action at Parkhead.
Celtic player ratings vs Kilmarnock
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Unlucky not to keep out Bobby Wales’ leveller but didn’t have too much else to do as that was one of the only shot on target he faced. Good hands to stop Robbie Deas’ effort in final 10.
Alistair Johnston – 6
Didn’t have the chance to get forward too often from right-back as Killie marshalled the Canadian well. Can’t ever fault his effort.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
So composed at the back for Celtic and the American proved it again. Covered Trusty once or twice and read the game so well.
Auston Trusty – 6
One or two hairy moments at the back but he dealt well enough with Killie’s attackers. Won his aerial battles for the most part.
Greg Taylor – 6
Put in a couple of crosses and worked well with pal Maeda on the left but he didn’t really influence the match in an attacking sense. Handy enough in marking the forward runners. Replaced by Liam Scales.
Callum McGregor – 7
Terrific goal from outside the box (again) to open the scoring and he made a significant block at 2-1 from Corrie Ndaba’s effort that looked goal bound.
Arne Engels – 5
The Belgian has been the standout in recent weeks for Celtic but he gave away possession more than once this afternoon on what was one of his poorer showings by his own standards. Subbed.
Reo Hatate – 6
Missed a few chances including a major one inside the six-yard box in the first-half. Kept from a stunner by Kieran O’Hara’s brilliant save.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Was quite quiet in the first-45 despite direct running as he was unable to bring teammates into the game at times on his Celtic return. Netted after the break to win the tie.
Nicolas Kuhn – 8
Constantly pushed the defence and created chances. Biggest moment was his assist for Daizen Maeda’s goal in a really clever move. Rattled the crossbar with a superb effort from outside the area at 2-1.
Kyogo – 6
Guilty of missing big opportunities and he’ll likely be frustrated with himself. Kyogo recently admitted he had to “improve” but he struggled in front of goal. Subbed for Idah late on.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 3
Kept the game ticking over without really pushing.
Luke McCowan (sub) – N/A
On in stoppage time.
Liam Scales (sub) – 3
Brought on inside final seven minutes to shore up the defence.
Adam Idah (sub) – N/A
Didn’t get much of a touch in the dying minutes.
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