Celtic will go into next week’s Champions League second-leg playoff with work to do after a resolute Kairat Almaty held them to a surprise 0-0 draw at Parkhead on Wednesday.
A toiling performance saw the home side struggle to break down a stubborn and organised Kazakh side, who caused Brendan Rodgers’ men problems of their own on the break as they battled to a deserved draw. The Hoops' home support grew frustrated, with chants of ‘sack the board’ audible in the second half as the Hoops' frontline, in need of extra bodies, struggled to find the desired opener.
Celtic will now return to domestic action as they host Livingston this weekend in the Scottish Premiership, before they head to Almaty in Kazakhstan for next week’s second leg against Rafael Urakhtin’s side on Tuesday, 26 August.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Celtic player in the 0-0 draw against Kairat Almaty at Parkhead:
9. James Forrest - 5
Wasted a good chance on 20 minutes when he took too long to shoot. Went close early in the second period. Life in the 'old' dog yet, but if every dog has his day, tonight was not his - despite his efforts. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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10. Daizen Maeda - 5
An unusually flat performance, Maeda provided his usual energy, but was fairly well handled by Kairat's young right-back Aleksandr Mrynskiy, who limited the Japanese star to half-chances. So often a bright spark for Celtic, his light was dimmed this evening. Missed a glorious late chance when through one on one. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Adam Idah - 4
Statue-esque at points. The Irish striker was barely involved. Didn't have a single shot of note, and was taken off at the break. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. Substitutes
Anthony Ralston - Brought on early for Johnston, and was steady enough (6). Yang Hyun-Jun - Introduced at half-time and upped the ante with his direct running, but his sparkle diminished slightly as the game wore on. (6). Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, Shin Yamada (N/A). | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group