James Forrest saved the day and put himself into the history books as he scored in the last minute to earn Celtic a draw against St Mirren.
On a day where Greg Taylor appeared to say goodbye to the Parkhead faithful, there was outrage before kick off as Brendan Rodgers dropped James Forrest to the bench as he named a strong starting XI.
Callum McGregor and Paulo Bernardo were the only two players to keep their place, with Bernardo starting after Reo Hatate was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Very little happened in the first half but there was an even bigger shock when Jonah Ayunga was first to react to Liam Scales’ header to then drill the ball low and hard past Kasper Schmeichel.
Forrest changed the game when he was introduced, creating all sorts of chances for his teammates, but with seconds left of the game, it was the boyhood hero who equalised to save the day and stand on the perch
With that, here’s how 67 Hail Hail rated the performances of each player against St Mirren.
Celtic player ratings vs St Mirren
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Will be frustrated with conceding the goal, especially as he didn’t have much to do all game, but the slight deflection left him with little chance of saving it.
Alistair Johnston – 6
Still working his way back to fitness and will relish more minutes in the tank ahead of next weekend.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
Didn’t do a lot wrong and looked solid enough on his return to the starting XI.
Liam Scales – 4
At fault for the St Mirren goal as his poor header away fell straight to Ayunga. Maik Nawrocki will be scratching his head after losing his starting XI spot. Scales must be replaced in the summer.
Greg Taylor – 5
If it is to be his Celtic Park farewell then it wasn’t the best way to end it. While Taylor wasn’t at fault on an individual basis, the result does somewhat sour the mood.
Callum McGregor (C) – 5
Didn’t do too much in the game other than kept it ticking over.
Arne Engels – 4
Something just isn’t clicking with Engels in the middle of the park right now. Whether he’s trying too hard or not is another thing but he will be sweating over losing his spot in the side for the Scottish Cup final.
Paulo Bernardo – 5
Missed a good chance to put Celtic ahead moments before the visitors took the lead. In fairness, it was a poor lay off to him but had some decent moments.
Nicolas Kuhn – 5
Really should’ve scored but chose to lay it off to Bernardo. A very quiet afternoon and one that he will hope doesn’t happen again next week.
Adam Idah – 5
Also another quiet afternoon from the number nine. Has been excellent since the league split but one of his more forgetful performances this time around.
Daizen Maeda – 5
Missed a golden chance to bring Celtic level – one you would expect him to bury given the form he has been in.
Very disappointing but if anyone can be forgiven for having an off day, it’s Maeda.
Substitutes
James Forrest – 8
Easily Celtic’s best player when he came on. Brought energy and life into the side, creating plenty of chances for his teammates but sadly couldn’t get his goal.
Yang – 6
Like Forrest, brought fresh energy on the left-hand side of the pitch. Seems to grow in confidence every week and will quietly hope he’s done enough to play a role at Hampden Park.
Luke McCowan – 6
Looked bright when he came on and was busy around the middle of the park. He’ll be eyeing up Engels and Bernardo’s place in the XI for the final next week.
Johnny Kenny – 6
Burst into life and showed some excellent pace to get away and beat the defender. His shot was sadly saved but he is really making a case to be included next season
Jeffrey Schlupp – 5
Didn’t really do much when he came on.
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