Celtic V Rangers Player Ratings

Forster 7 – Regardless of what you read about the big chap’s performance anyone watching the game without an anti-Celtic agenda will have seen that the big geordie comfortably dealt with a few telling crosses into his area from free kicks early on. Didn’t have one telling save to make and his kicking is fast improving. In my opinion deserves at least another year at Celtic.

Wilson 6 – Didn’t get forward as much as he would’ve liked to and was wasteful in possession at times but did stop Wylde going forward and as a defender that was his job, steady performance from our Marko who will play a key role in Celtic’s title push.

Majstorovic 7 – Easy. ‘World Class’ Jelavic didn’t get a look in, the big Swede next to his partner Mulgrew looked composed and steady as the rollercoaster ride entered its fnal few twist and turns, directed a header superbly towards the top corner and was unlucky to see McGregor claw it away

Mulgrew 8 – Best game at center half for Celtic, won the ball countless times when the ball was played upto Jelavic and Lafferty and was composed enough to get the ball down and pass it, whipped in some lovely corners as well on a day he probably expected to spend defending a lot more.

Izaguirre 8 – Dealt with Naismith as he always does – very very easily, one player of the year contender against a diving pretender was easily the biggest mismatch of the day, Izaguirre again proved he has Naismith in his pocket and just looks born to play for Celtic. Was very unlucky with his right footed dink and was his usual composed self as Celtic pressed on in the second half.

Brown 7 – I thought Brown had a great game, was very quick to win the ball and always looked to either wing for space to move the ball into. Captain had a lot to live up to following his last visit to Ibrox and was very unlucky with a shot that flew past McGregor’s post. Drove Celtic forward in the second half  and is without doubt playing his best football in a Celtic jersey.

Kayal 9 – My my this lad loves the occassion doesn’t he? Combative, strong, composed, steady, hungry and solid. Adjectives that don’t even begin to cover Beram Kayal’s midfield performance, was not a game in which the Celtic midfield dominated but Kayal showed that he was well up for the fight with a few great tackles and passes. Never seen Edu or Davis at all during the game due to Kayal’s covering work. Its a joy to watch this man ply his trade in a Celtic strip.

Ki 6 – I like this bhoy because he is very useful at holding onto the ball and at Ibrox that was always going to be key but yesterday seemed to pass him by and he shirked out of a few challenges at the edge of the Celtic penalty area. However he did stick to his task of winning the ball and finding a Celtic player.

Ledley 7 – A surprise starter after his hampden injury but Ledley again added some very much needed dig into the Celtic team, got forward well and was denied what looked to me a stonewall penalty when Whittaker moved into his path. (watch it again and look for the movement of Whittaker’s right leg) Our bhoy Joe went off injured again and it looks like it might end his season but if thats the case then no matter what happens he can be very proud of his efforts during his first season at Celtic Park

Hooper 6 – Very disappointed in our bhoy Hoops yesterday, a player I really really admire just didn’t turn up and it was a shame because he has the intelligence to open up the Rangers defence but failed to find a Celtic player with a pass too many times and never troubled McGregor either. No one will be more disappointed than him that he never got his goal and I’m sure he’ll make up for it come next week!

Samaras 7 – Now don’t start on Samaras. Yes he wasted the ball in a good position and yes he missed a penalty, but my god that bhoy was terribly unlucky yesterday. At least he went looking for the ball, at least he tried to win the game for Celtic. Samaras was undone by a few very suspicious Davie Weir tumbles with Craig Thomson blowing near enough instantly when Weir’s old and very embarrassing frame hit the deck. Super Sam worked like a trojan for the Celtic cause yesterday and no one else seemed keen to take the pen so Samaras stood up. Will have a telling contribution before the seasons out.

Subs

Commons 5 – Should’ve took the penalty after scoring last week.

Stokes 6 – Did great to win the penalty but should’ve stayed on his feet moments later after having the beating of Papac.

Neil Lennon 10 – Not quite the right team, probably should’ve started Commons but was vindicated at the end with a precious point that keeps Celtic in control. And extra marks for the cupping of the ears.