ROSS COUNTY PLAYER RATINGS

ROSS LAIDLAW 4

The goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Odsonne Edouard slotting home an early spot kick. He could, though, have done better at Albian Ajetti’s strike. Had little chance with the others.

CONNOR RANDALL 6

The right back went agonisingly close to netting with a 25 yard shot in the first half. Was alert to the danger posed by James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard on his flank.

COLL DONALDSON 5

Had his work cut out nullifying the threat posed by the twin Celtic strikeforce of Ajeti and Edouard. Stuck to his task manfully before tiring in the latter stages.

ALEX IACOVITTI 5

Not at fault for either of the goals that Celtic scored in the first-half. The centre back, however, was unlucky Ajeti didn’t convert after he had been dispossessed by the striker in the second. Redeemed himself by blocking a Patryk Klimala shot on the line.

JOSH REID 6

Did well to overlap and whip a cross in to Billy McKay in the Celtic area when County were trailing 2-0 in the opening 45 minutes. Contained Jeremie Frimpong well.

JORDAN TILLSON 5

The Ross County midfielder gifted the hosts an early penalty when he bundled over Odsonne Edouard. He picked up a yellow card for a nasty foul on Scott Brown in the second half. Was replaced by Ross Draper in the second-half.

HARRY PATON 6

Angered Celtic captain with a crunching challenge. His rival midfielder refused a handshake afterwards.

MICHAEL GARDYNE 7

Ross County’s most dangerous player. He was at the heart of all of the home side’s best attacking moves. Tired as the game wore on. His service deserved a little better from his front men.

IAIN VIGURS 6

Struck the post with a free-kick, which Barkas just managed to get a hand to, in the first-half.

ROSS STEWART 6

The striker saw his goal-bound header palmed wide by Celtic keeper Vasilis Barkas after getting on the end of a Gardyne delivery. Was unlucky not to net a first-time left foot shot early in the second-half.

BILLY MCKAY 5

Tested Barkas with a fine glancing header during his time on the park. Hobbled off injured after half an hour and was replaced by Oli Shaw.

SUBSTITUTES

OLI SHAW 5

Struck the post with a superb dipping free-kick late on.

ROSS DRAPER 2

The game was lost when the midfielder took to the field in the second-half.

STEPHEN KELLY 2

Got a run-out at 5-0.

REGAN CHARLES-COOK 2

Hardly got a touch.

CELTIC PLAYER RATINGS

VASILIS BARKAS 7

The Greek goalkeeper did superbly to get a fingertip to an Iain Vigurs free-kick and divert it onto his right post in the first-half. Produced excellent saves from a Ross Stewart once in the first-half and then twice in the second.

KRISTOFFER AJER 6

The Norwegian centre half was booked by referee Andrew Dallas for a rash foul on Michael Gardyne in the first-half. Advanced upfield whenever play allowed and got a header on target before half-time. Turned in an Olivier Ntcham square ball from a few yards out in the second.

CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN 6

Received a rocket from his manager Neil Lennon for his sloppiness in possession. The French defender has had better days. Still, he came on to a game in the second-half and helped the visitors to keep a clean sheet and pick up three points.

SHANE DUFFY 8

The Republic of Ireland internationalist made his debut for his boyhood heroes on the right of a three man defence. He was a vocal presence on the pitch despite his unfamiliarity with his team mates. Was lucky that Billy McKay was ruled offside by the linesman after he momentarily switched off. But that lapse aside he hugely impressed. Did well to get on the end of a Callum McGregor corner and head home in the second-half.

JAMES FORREST 6

Reprised to the wing back role he had performed for Scotland against Israel eight days earlier. Won the free-kick that resulted in the second goal. But it was one of his quieter afternoons.

JEREMIE FRIMPONG 5

No shortage of effort on the right of the park from the young wing back. He struggled, though, to stop Michael Gardyne breaking down his flank on several occasions and failed to make his presence felt in the final third.

SCOTT BROWN 7

Did what Scott Brown always does. Put in a power of work, broke down opposition attacks, won possession in the middle of the park and drop deep to help out with defensive duties when County were on the front foot. Made way for David Turnbull at 5-0.

CALLUM MCGREGOR 7

The usual assured performance from the Scotland midfielder in the centre of the park. He forced a good save from Ross Laidlaw early in the second-half. He set up the second and third goals with a free-kick and corner respectively.

OLIVIER NTCHAM 5

The midfielder has a tendency to blow hot and cold. This performance fell into the latter category. Passed the ball out of the park when attempting to find Frimpong in the first-half. However, he did well to tee up Ajer for the fourth before being replaced by Mohamed Elyounoussi.

ALBIAN AJETI 7

The Swiss striker showed good reactions in the penalty box to hook a loose ball beyond Laidlaw. It was his third goal in five games and further evidence he will prove to be a shrewd acquisition. Showed a willingness to drop deep

ODSONNE EDOUARD 7

Returned to the Celtic starting line-up after starring for the French Under-21 side in the international break. Took just a few minutes to make an impact. He won and converted an early penalty to take his tally for the 2020/21 campaign to five at club level.

SUBSTITUTES

PATRYK KLIMALA 4

Took over from Ajeti. Should have made it five after being supplied by Edouard. His shot was denied on the line by Alex Iacovitti. Atoned by slotting home a fifth.

RYAN CHRISTIE 3

Replaced Edouard. Gave his side an injection of energy going forward.

MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI 4

Took over from Ntcham and teed up Kilmala for the fifth.

DAVID TURNBULL 2

The new boy came on for Scott Brown to make is debut. Had little opportunity to show what he is capable of.

ISMAILA SORO 2

Made his competitive debut for Celtic when he came on for McGregor.