Celtic Player Ratings vs Hearts: Here’s how the Hoops fared
Celtic powered into the Betfred Cup final, thanks to a 3-0 victory over Hearts at Murrayfield. Scott Sinclair, on as a first-half substitute, gave Celtic the lead with a smartly converted penalty. Hearts did have the ball in the net before the break but it was offside.
James Forrest took advantage of a howler from Hearts keeper Zdenek Zlamal to add a second before substitute Ryan Christie scored an absolute belter to guide the Hoops to a place in the Betfred Cup final.
Celtic Player Ratings
Scott Bain – 5/10
Bain had a fairly quiet afternoon as Hearts rarely threatened his goal. Gathered the crosses with ease and distributed well.
Mikael Lustig – 5/10
He was clattered inside the first couple of minutes by Steven McLean, who was booked for his actions. However, Lustig was sloppy in possession and never really got forward when he had the chance.
Filip Benkovic – 6/10
A pillar at the back, Benkovic kept things tight and snuffed out any danger that came into the box.
Kristoffer Ajer- 6/10
Ajer was decent at the back and he substituted for Jack Hendry in the second half.
Kieran Tierney – 6/10
Tierney was a constant threat down the left. He surged up with intent and was defensively disciplined as well.
Eboue Kouassi – 4/10
Didn’t do anything noteworthy and hobbled off the pitch with a groin problem.
Olivier Ntcham – 4/10
Ntcham’s form has taken a dip lately and he couldn’t get into the groove.
Callum McGregor – 3/10
It just wasn’t his day as everything went wrong for McGregor. His touch on the ball, passing and movement were off-radar as he cut a frustrated figure.
Tom Rogic – 6/10
Rogic had an ordinary first half just like his teammates but burst into life after the break. Played some crisp passes in the box and was a threat.
James Forrest – 7/10
Forrest was at the right place at the right time to pounce on goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal’s howler. Other than his goal, he was a constant thorn on the right.
Odsonne Edouard – 7/10
Led the line very well and brought his teammates into the game with his hold-up play. Produced one header that went over the bar and then fluffed his lines after being put through by Rogic in the second period.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair – 7/10
Forced a decent save from Hearts keeper Zdenek Zlamal just before the interval. Gave Celtic the lead from the penalty spot by sending Zlamal the wrong way.
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Ryan Christie – 9/10
Replaced Ntcham at the break and was the actual difference maker. Won the penalty that broke Hearts’ resistance and scored a thunderbolt to give Celtic a resounding victory.
Jack Hendry – 3/10
Came on for Ajer in the final stages of the game.