Celtic left it very late to start their 2024/25 campaign off with a win against St Mirren.
Brendan Rodgers has an incredible opening day record and was hoping to continue that feat to kick off the 2024/25 season.
St Mirren frustrated the hosts with a defensive set-up designed to allow Stephen Robinson’s side to hit the Celts on the counter attack.
To nobody’s surprise, Celtic dominated the ball and they thought their persistence paid off as substitute James Forrest went on a mazy run before attempting to pass to a teammate.
He looked like he’d given the ball away before Callum McGregor steamed in to score – only for it to be disallowed due to a handball from the captain in the build-up.
Adam Idah then hit the post minutes later and it looked like it wouldn’t be their day until super-sub Luke McCowan came off the bench to drill one home in the bottom corner with three minutes to go.
With that, here is how 67 Hail Hail rated the Celtic players on the opening day of the season.
Celtic player ratings vs St Mirren
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
Was forced into one good save during the first half but was largely a spectator as Celtic dominated possession.
Alistair Johnston – 6/10
Always got forward to help his wingers and tried to drill the ball low and hard multiple times. Still working his way back to fitness after an extended summer due to international commitments.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6/10
Had very little to do and looked comfortable when defending.
Liam Scales – 6/10
Had a shaky start to the game with a defensive mix-up but recovered well and had some solid moments to nullify the St Mirren attack.
Kieran Tierney – 8/10
A fine return to Celtic. Looked composed on the ball, got forward plenty of times and delivered some really good balls into the box that weren’t finished off by his teammates. It was a shame that his debut had to end early.
Reo Hatate – 7/10
Scott Allan named Hatate as the best midfielder in the country and at times, you could see why.
The Japan international dictated play and had a couple of nice shots, including one that nearly looped over the opposition ‘keeper’s head.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6/10
The engine room and the one who kept things ticking over as he always does. Will be frustrated to have had the goal disallowed.
Benjamin Nygren – 6/10
Despite starring in pre-season, Nygren wasn’t at his very best today. Was unlucky not to score in the first half and took some decent set pieces, but fans were hoping for more.
Hyunjun Yang – 5/10
Didn’t get into the game at all and was rightfully subbed close to the hour mark.
Adam Idah – 5/10
Another sub-par afternoon for Adam Idah in a Celtic shirt. Didn’t make the most of any chances he had and failed to put himself about.
Daizen Maeda – 6/10
Not his best performance by any means. Made some nice runs in behind but should’ve tried to shoot instead of pass in the first half and didn’t get as involved after the break.
Celtic substitutes player ratings
- James Forrest – 6/10
- Auston Trusty – 6/10
- Arne Engels – 6/10
- Luke McCowan – 7/10
- Johnny Kenny – 6/10
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