Celtic advanced to the next round of the Premier Sports Cup with ease after hammering Falkirk.
Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the lineup but largely fielded a strong XI that included Callum McGregor.
Daizen Maeda gave the hosts the lead after he got on the end of Kieran Tierney’s brilliant cross into the box.
Falkirk did have some first half opportunities but failed to really lay down a glove on the Hoops.
The lead was then doubled thanks to Alistair Johnston’s beautiful left-footed effort was out of reach for former Bhoy Scott Bain.
Dane Murray then marked his new contract with a first goal for the club after heading home from Arne Engels’ corner.
Hyunjun Yang made an instant impact off the bench to add a fourth before Falkirk grabbed a consolation but it didn’t dampen the night at all as Celtic impressed from start to finish.
With that, here are five things 67 Hail Hail learned from a convincing win.
Kieran Tierney is getting sharper with each game
Tierney has come off at the 60 minute mark in each of Celtic’s first two games so far and the left-back was given another chance to get more minutes in the tank.
Just like his previous appearances, the number 63 looked electric and played a part by laying on the assist for Maeda in the first 45.
His quality has never been in doubt but his fitness is getting there and is almost back to his complete best.
Daizen Maeda clearly wants to be at Celtic
67 Hail Hail rubbished reports of Maeda leaving this summer and anyone still in doubt can only look at tonight’s performance as a sign that he wants to be here.
Electric as ever and in on the act for his first goal of the season, the Japan international was a problem for the Falkirk defence all night.
He had a smile on his face and that should put to bed any fears that last season’s top scorer is going to leave.
Luke McCowan is Mr Reliable
It feels like we say this every time he plays, but it’s true.
Luke McCowan started the game from the very first whistle, was as steady as ever
You know you’re always going to get a 7/10 at least from the 27-year-old and he did that again, controlling the midfield and delivering a solid performance.
Viljami Sinisalo is the heir to Kasper Schmeichel’s throne
Kasper Schmeichel was given the night off and allowed deputy Viljami Sinisalo to get his first minutes of the season.
It was a largely quiet night for the Finland number one, who was forced into a couple of good saves and although he did concede in the second half, has proved that he is the rightful heir to Schmeichel’s throne when he eventually leaves.
Arne Engels receives a much-needed confidence boost
It’s been a tough start to the season for Celtic’s record signing after starting both league games on the bench.
This game gave the Belgian a chance to start and send Rodgers a message, which he did sublimely.
His corner for Murray’s goal was exquisite and he looked a lot more calm and composed than he has done in recent weeks.
Long may it continue.
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