Brendan Rodgers rotated his Celtic squad – and sent Ross County reeling in a relentless 5-0 rout to go five points clear at the top of the Premiership.
The Hoops boss made six changes to his team from Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Club Brugge.And FOUR of them notched before half-time as Celts raced to a 5-0 lead to bury the Highlanders before the break. Replacements Liam Scales, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah were all on target before Callum McGregor slammed in his sixth goal of the season – all from outside the box.
Mercifully for the visitors, the onslaught eased after the interval with County sub keeper Jack Hamilton keeping the score down with a succession of stunning saves. Celts were frustrated at not adding to the scoreline but delighted to put daylight between themselves and the Dons – and open up a massive 14 point gap on rivals Rangers. There was never any doubt here.
The pressure was on from the first whistle and Celtic were in front inside the opening 10 minutes when Scales thumped his header from McCowan’s corner in off the underside of the bar. The same two players reversed roles for the second on 26 minutes when Scales scooped over the backline for the midfielder to pull it out of the air, turn and fire past Ross Laidlaw with the aid of a little nick on the way.
Goals three and four arrived in double quick time with Bernardo burying at the second bite after Daizen Maeda’s graft at the touchline. Then McGregor stepped up with another screamer from 25 yards to keep the festive party in full swing.
County were done again before the break when Idah curled in a cracker from the edge of the box. County keeper Ross Laidlaw was forced off injured while Rodgers gave Maeda a rest and sent out Yang for the second period – and the wide man was keen to join in the fun. Celtic continued to bang on the door but replacement goalie Hamilton prevented further damage with a string of stunning saves.
Joy of six
Brendan Rodgers made SIX changes to the side from Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Club Brugge and it didn’t weaken the side – it simply freshened it up.
The likes of Liam Scales, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah, James Forrest and Alex Valle can’t really be described as back ups or stand ins. They could all walk into the side on any given day and the performance level doesn’t drop a notch.
Rodgers had only made one change in his previous five games but this was a flex of the squad’s muscle, and it looked like some of the incoming men wanted to prove a point – and that meant pain for the Staggies. Celts are in the thick of a busy period but it looks like they have safety – and quality – in numbers.
Midfield battle
A lot of the talk going in was over Bernardo getting his chance in place of Arne Engels, with the record signing struggling a tad in recent games. The Portuguese playmaker certainly slotted in and justified those shouts.
But it was the other midfield berth that was interesting. McCowan was superb on his rare start with the deadline day arrival from Dundee at the heart of just about every attacking move. McCowan got not he scoresheet but also weighed in with three assists in a superb all round display.
The question might now be, should he be in the side ahead of Reo Hatate? It’s a biggie, as the Japan cap has been a sensational signing for Celts and on his day is one of the best in the country. Hatate is inventive on the ball but it doesn’t always come off and when it doesn’t, it can put Celtic under pressure. You’d think he’s still the main man in there but performances like this certainly will give Rodgers a happy headache.
Sharp shooter
Here’s an incredible stat. Callum McGregor is now the Premiership’s top goal scorer after taking his tally to six league goals for the season. And the crazy thing is that all of them have been from outside of the box. The Hoops captain has certainly found his shooting boots this term and he unleashed another cracker here – drilling a wicked effort into the corner of the net. McGregor brings so much to this Celtic side in terms of dictating the place and leading by example. But these goals are becoming a terrific bonus.
Yang on
Daizen Maeda’s jet boots are tough for anyone fill but Rodgers gave youngster Yang another run out here. The winger remains something of an enigma at Celtic. There is clearly ability there and the Korean kid showed some neat flashes in and around the box. He’s got quick feet and a turn of pace.
It’s the final ball that still needs a bit of work, but Rodgers is convinced there is a talent there to be unlocked. At one stage it seemed he could be heading for a loan deal in January, but now is looking increasingly likely he’s got a part to play this term. The same can’t be said for Luis Palma. The Honduran wasn’t named on the bench against County, although there were suggestions he returned from international duty with a knock. Even so, Yang has jumped Palma in the queue.
County warning
Ross County were woeful but they need to put this one to bed sharpish. It was always going to be a big ask going to Parkhead but they can’t afford to dwell on this drubbing for too long. Don Cowie’s men have climbed away from the Premiership danger zone – but not by much. The Staggies have a tough run ahead with Rangers up next in the Highlands with Hibs and Hearts also on the horizon.
They’ll need to defend a heck of a lot better than they did here. Celtic were in stunning form but they could at least have been made to work harder for their goals. The one crumb of comfort for Don Cowie was in the resilience shown after the break when it looked like double figures was on the cards. Sure, the Celtic pace dropped a tab, but they were determined to stop the bleeding.