Christopher Jullien responded well to Kilmarnock display

The French centre half has become a firm fans’ favourite since joining Celtic last year. Some immense defensive showings and important goals in big games have endeared him to Parkhead supporters. But he was very much the villain in the draw against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park earlier this month.

He struggled to contain opposition forward Nicke Kabamba and gifted the home team a cheap penalty which they converted to deny them all three points.

Jullien wasn’t up against much last night. Still, he produced a positive reaction to his disappointing display in Ayrshire to silence his critics. He set up Mohammed Elyounoussi for the opening goal early on and then added the third with a powerful header at a Ryan Christie corner.

 

Vasilis Barkas impressed

Celtic keepers are often only called upon to make one or two saves in a domestic match given the extent the Parkhead club normally dominate. But it is imperative they remain alert in order to do so. Switching off for just a second can be fatal.

But Vasilis Barkas, the Greek internationalist who was making just his second appearance since his £5m move from AEK Athens, looks as if he will have few issues there.

KR Reykjavik got their first attempt on target, and just their second shot on goal, in added on time at the end of the first-half. But Atli Sigurjonsson’s fine effort was a difficult one for the goalie to deal with. He did brilliantly to get down quickly and palm it wide. It augurs well for the future.

 

So did Hatem Elhamed

Jeremie Frimpong’s trickery going forward has caused defence no end of problems since he burst on the scene last season. But Hatem Elhamed, who is perhaps considered a better defensive option, is no slouch in attack either. He set up the second and fourth goals after good breaks down his flank.