Celtic beat Hibs with a dominant display as the champions returned to Parkhead for the first time since winning the league at Dundee United.
Brendan Rodgers named a strong Celtic starting line-up to ensure the Hoops’ return home as champions ended with a win.
David Gray was hoping to end Hibs’ dismal Celtic Park record of 15 years without a win and it looked like his masterplan was going to pay off after taking a shock first-half lead through Martin Boyle.
However, Celtic fired back and went in at the break 2-1 up after Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah turned the one goal deficit around and Reo Hatate ensured all three points stayed at the home of the Scottish champions with a third midway through the second half.
Reacting to the win, Celtic manager Rodgers was delighted with the result as he spoke to Sky Sports post-match.
Brendan Rodgers’ Callum McGregor message to young Celtic midfielder
The Celtic boss was over the moon with Sean McArdle’s debut cameo after coming on as an 86th-minute substitute.
But the Celtic boss has reminded the young midfielder that the hard work begins now.
Rodgers said, “There is always a pathway here for young players. It’s getting that opportunity to come in.
“Sean has done well with the B team. He’s 17 years of age so to come out and get that feeling was great for him.
“He needs to build on that now. He’s got that feeling. He’s not a first team player yet. He’s had an opportunity.
“He’s shown personality when he’s come on and now he needs to speak to Callum McGregor and the guys who have come through the system.
“But now the really hard work begins to try and sustain that.”
The Celtic stats that prove there is no complacency at Parkhead
Celtic’s win ended up routine and the BBC’s match stats of the game showed just how dominant the win was against a dogged Hibs side.
- Possession: 76.3%
- Shots: 18
- Shots on target: 8
- Hibs goalkeeper saves: 5
- Attempts outside of box: 8
- Hibs clearances: 31
- Celtic duels won: 30
- Touches in Hibs’ box: 31
It was a totally dominant display and one that Brendan Rodgers was clearly delighted with as the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen nears.
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