Rangers 1 - 2 Celtic: How the players rated at Ibrox

Celtic dominated the Hogmanay Old Firm clash, despite the narrow margin of victory. Here's how the players rated at Ibrox.
Rangers' Kenny Miller hits the post during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium. Picture: Craig Watson/PA WireRangers' Kenny Miller hits the post during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium. Picture: Craig Watson/PA Wire
Rangers' Kenny Miller hits the post during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium. Picture: Craig Watson/PA Wire

RANGERS

WES FODERINGHAM: The Rangers keeper could not be faulted for the goals Celtic scored. He made decent saves from Scott Sinclair, James Forrest, Stuart Armstrong – twice – and Nir Bitton. 7

JAMES TAVERNIER: Always best going forward and his pinpoint cross could not be missed by Miller. At fault for Celtic’s winning goal. 6

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CLINT HILL: Recovered from a knock to take his place in defence, the 37-year-old was solid in the air and on the ground with just a few errors creeping in after the break. 6

ROB KIERNAN: Made a huge blunder to grant St Johnstone their equaliser in midweek. No major errors this time but did not look always look at ease. 5

DANNY WILSON: Looked comfortable at left centre-back until eventually tested by James Forrest. At fault for Celtic’s equaliser. 5

JOE GARNER: Has become a cult hero among the Rangers fans but he lasted only until soon after the opening goal when he went off injured. 6

BARRIE MCKAY: Arguably the most talented of the Rangers players, the winger had a fine game easing past Celtic defenders to set up several attacks. 8

ANDY HALLIDAY: A fans’ favourite, the midfielder battled hard, making some timely tackles and interventions. 7

JASON HOLT: One of the better performers at Ibrox this season, the former Hearts player was busy and tenacious but lacked punch. 6

JOSH WINDASS: Nice touch on the ball and revealed some crisp passing before running out of steam after the break. 6

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KENNY MILLER: The experienced captain was at his best, opening the scoring with a poacher’s goal and hitting the post late on. 8

Substitutes

MARTYN WAGHORN (on for Garner, 15): Was called into action early after an injury to Joe Garner. Wasted a chance after the break. 5

JOE DODOO (on for Windass, 65): Came on after the hour mark to little effect. 4

HARRY FORRESTER (on for Holt, 82): Should have done better when in the Celtic box late on. 5

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CELTIC

CRAIG GORDON: The Scotland goalkeeper had a busier day than usual, thwarting Jason Holt, Martyn Waghorn and Danny Wilson. 7

EMILIO IZAGUIRRE: The energetic left-back got up the flank regularly, firing in some dangerous crosses but was found wanting defensively. 6

JOZO SIMUNOVIC: Has hit top form under Brendan Rodgers and was unspectacular in his work. Booked for foul on McKay. 6

MIKAEL LUSTIG: A dependable figure in the Hoops defence though he struggled at times with McKay. 6

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ERIK SVIATCHENKO: The burly Dane gave the ball away for Miller’s goal but was unruffled thereafter. Made an excellent challenge late on. 7

SCOTT BROWN: The Celtic captain has peaked this season. Did most of his good work defensively in his usual energetic style. 7

STUART ARMSTRONG: Another excellent performance from the revitalised midfielder. Set up the winning goal and didn’t give the Rangers defence a moment’s peace. 8

CALLUM MCGREGOR: Had a quiet game in the middle of the park, although he worked hard. 6

JAMES FORREST: The Scotland winger took time to get into the game. Should have scored early in the second half before being replaced by Patrick Roberts. 7

SCOTT SINCLAIR: Celtic’s best player. Always dangerous. Struck the post with a shot and drove time and again at the Rangers defence before tapping in Celtic’s second. 9

MOUSSA DEMBELE: Given the nod over Leigh Griffiths for the main striker’s role and drove in the equaliser for his fifth Old Firm goal in three matches. Then missed a sitter and hit the bar in a good second-half display. 8

Substitutes

PATRICK ROBERTS (on for Forrest, 65): The winger kept the Gers defence on their toes and played a delighful reverse pass for the winning goal. 6

NIR BITTON (on for McGregor, 86): The midfielder had a long-range shot saved by Foderingham. 6