John Collins did not mince his words in scathing dissection of Celtic’s display vs Hibs

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Former Celtic star John Collins cut an exasperated figure as he analysed the Hoops’ last-gasp win over Hibs in brutal fashion.

The 56-year-old did not hold back to dig out some underperforming players after the disappointing Easter Road performance. But Celtic got the last laugh in the end as Adam Idah’s stoppage time penalty kick sealed three points for the champions.

It was a very nervy victory in the capital – as explained by pundit Michael Stewart – and it has to be said that Hibs were the team who looked like scoring to go ahead in the second-half.

But Celtic somehow found a way to win and the victory keeps them at the top of the Scottish Premiership having now played a game more than rivals Rangers.

John Collins, who played for Celtic between 1990-1996 before going on to assistant manager to Ronny Deila, was effusive in his praise of on-loan striker Idah for his ice-cold spot-kick to win the clash for Celtic.

But it didn’t take long for Collins to get stuck into three of Celts’ wide players in particular and slating his former side’s indecisiveness in key areas of the park.

John Collins blasts three Celtic players

Collins told BBC Sportsound on Wednesday night: “(It was) two wonderful penalties and the young man will be absolutely delighted, especially the second one because there was pressure there. End of the game, Celtic needed three points and he tucked them away wonderfully.

“It was interesting listening to Brendan (Rodgers) there, he’ll be mightily relieved – but at the same time, he’s going to be concerned. There is a lack of quality in the wider areas.

“(Dazien) Maeda started today with (Nicolas) Kuhn, the new signing. I don’t think he (Kuhn) got past the full-back once and he created nothing so I was really disappointed in him.

“(Liel) Abada comes on and is making bad choices, (Luis) Palma coming on and not giving me enough. So it’s a worry there for Brendan, his coaching team and the supporters.

“They’ll all be driving home from the match thinking ‘we are not the same team as we were last year’. One player missing, Jota’s gone. But that final third, they are lacking decision-making in when to cross, when to go on the outside, when to shoot or cut it back – they are just not creating next to anything.

“Rangers are scoring goals, getting clean sheets, playing with a lot of confidence, so they are looking good Rangers. But Celtic are still at the top of the league without playing well, they’re doing okay if I was describe them.

“Tonight’s performance though, you’ve got to be worried. Got to give credit to Hibs though, second-half I thought they were very good.”