Celtic’s Europa League adventure looked like it was heading from a stuttering start to a shuddering, sobering stop.
Brendan Rodgers watched his side concede yet another long range effort as his Celtic midfield failed to track the extra runner from the Austrian side.
A poor first half was offset by a superb Celtic comeback after Liam Scales equalised and Benjamin Nygren put the Hoops ahead a couple of minutes later.
Whatever Rodgers said to his Celtic players at half time worked, as Celtic staged a superb fightback to beat the Austrians to record a vital European victory.
So, with that in mind, here is 67 Hail Hail’s Celtic player ratings as Rodgers gets his first Europa League win of the campaign sealed.
Celtic player ratings vs Sturm Graz
Kasper Schmeichel – 5
Didn’t really have much to do in the whole game apart from pick the ball out of the back of the net. Schmeichel had no chance and never at fault for the goal.
Alistair Johnston – 4
Taken off injured in the 24th minute as Johnston had no real opportunity to impose himself on the game.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
The big American defender seemed nervous early on. Wasn’t really troubled throughout the win as Carter-Vickers settled well after his nervy start.
Liam Scales – 7
Scales was his usual solid defensive self as the Irishman imposed himself on the Sturm Graz front line. Was unlucky not to score in the first half. Superb finish for Celtic’s equaliser in the 62nd minute.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Created some decent link-up play in the first half as Tierney’s partnership with Tounekti starts to show signs of flourishing. Dithered on a shot in the first half and chose to pass.
Reo Hatate – 5
The Japanese midfielder’s malaise continues as Hatate’s poor start to the season continues. Still looks disinterested and lethargic. Just like at SC Braga’s opener, the midfielder’s lack of tracking back allowed the opening for Graz’s goal. How the Japan star continues to be selected by Rodgers is a mystery.
Callum McGregor – 7
The Celtic captain pulled the strings and commanded the midfield. McGregor showed signs he was up for the fight early in the second half.
Arne Engels – 7
Had a chance with a header late in the first half as Engels earned a rare start this season. Decent dead ball delivery and had a good first half. Fell
Benjamin Nygren – 8
The Swede still looked like he was flattering to deceive as some of Nygren’s early passes put Celtic under pressure in the first half. Had a chance to score but was always stretching for his header. Missed a golden chance early in the second half. Deserved his goal for Celtic’s winner and his rating of 8 for never giving up.
Sebastian Tounekti – 7
The Tunisian was on fire in the first half as Tounekti terrorised the Sturm Graz left back Tim Oermann. Nutmegs and dribbling had the crowd on their feet at times. Deserved an assist. Completed the most dribbles in the game. Subbed off in the 78th minute.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 3
Taken off injured in the 2nd minute as Iheanacho’s hamstring appeared to go.
Johnny Kenny – 7
The young Irish striker was thrown in to replace the injured Iheanacho and Kenny impressed almost from the off. His pace terrorised the Graz back four and the Celtic striker was almost rewarded with a goal. Had two great chances to score his first European goal in the green and white Hoops. Deserved a goal.
Colby Donovan – 6
The young right back was drafted in for the injured Alistair Johnston. Donovan made a few mistakes but grew into the game. Looks a real prospect as he dealt with the Europa League pressure well.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 6
The Belgian was brought in with just over 12 minutes to go as Balikwisha got a rare outing on the left wing. Used his pace to try and get to the Sturm Graz defence and had a late effort sail just wide and over.
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