Charlie Mulgrew blown away by ‘quality’ Celtic star who Brendan Rodgers ‘must be so thankful for’

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Celtic were far too much for Falkirk on Friday night.

The newly-promoted Scottish Premiership side struggled defensively and the Hoops were able to capitalise on that by scoring four goals.

Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the Premier Sports Cup second round tie, while Dane Murray scored his first Hoops goal with a header.

Falkirk’s Liam Henderson was unfortunate to score an own goal as he diverted substitute Yang Hyun-jun’s cross into the net.

But it was another goal-scorer who former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew was buzzing about after the 4-1 victory over the Bairns.

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‘Quality, quality’ Alistair Johnston hailed by Mulgrew

Mulgrew was a pundit for Premier Sports and highlighted the incredible game Alistair Johnston had at right-back for Celtic.

Johnston converted a tremendous left-footed strike in the second-half and was brilliant up and down the right wing for the Hoops.

He deservedly earned the Premier Sports man of the match award, and Mulgrew delivered some brilliant analysis about Johnston.

He said: “Alistair Johnston’s that good that he just goes kind of unnoticed at times, under the radar. He’s such a good athlete and good player.

“He wins the ball and shows all his qualities by slotting it away with his left foot. What a quality, quality player. And Brendan Rodgers must be so thankful to have him in the squad.”

Johnston was buzzing to score against Scott Bain

Johnston’s lovely effort to make it 2-0 to Celtic was unreachable for Scott Bain, the man between the sticks for Falkirk.

Bain left Celtic to join the Bairns early in the summer, and Johnston was delighted to get the ball past his former teammate.

Asked initially by Premier Sports about scoring goals this season, the Canadian replied: “Yeah, I’d like to kick on again from last season.

“I got quite a few but it kind of tailed off in the second half of the season. So I’m hoping this year will be more of a full season of goals.

“But we’ll see because I know my job as a full-back is defending first. Whenever I can help out and chip in with some goals, it always makes a difference. It’s especially nice scoring against Scott Bain!”