St Johnstone 0 - 4 Celtic: How the players rated

St Johnstone

Zander Clark - 7

Faced a barrage of shots but mostly from long range which he dealt with relatively competently.

Richard Foster - 6

The former Rangers and Aberdeen full-back did well against Kieran Tierney for large parts before being blown away by the Celtic player’s wing play resulting in being replaced. A hard opponent after a spell out injured.

Aaron Comrie - 5

The 20-year-old appeared to be playing a free role in defence, stepping out to close down both Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong. At times it was rabbit in the headlights stuff.

Steven Anderson - 5

There was a lot of last-ditch defending which Anderson is very good at but pulled apart in the second half culminating in an unfortunate own goal.

Joe Shaughnessy - 6

Rarely flustered and defended solidly.

Scott Tanser - 6

Defended well against James Forrest but failed to push forward to offer width on the left.

David Wotherspoon - 7

Was part of a, at times, chaotic midfield but one of few Saints players to show composure and an ability to take the ball forward and create.

Blair Alston - 5

The game simply past him by. Failed to make any sort of impact.

Paul Paton - 4

For the sixth game in a row against Celtic he was booked. Got caught up in a battle with Scott Brown and there was only going to be one winner.

Stefan Scougall - 5

Played as a link between midfield and attack but failed to provide the transition.

Steven MacLean - 6

Up against three centre-backs, the wily striker battled manfully but when he moved wide there was no options.

Substitutes

Michael O’Halloran (for Stefan Scougall, 58) - 5

So much pace yet so little impact.

Liam Craig (for David Wotherspoon, 68) - 5

Didn’t get into the game.

Kyle McLean (for Richard Foster, 76) - N/A

Celtic were far too dominant for any impact.

Celti

Craig Gordon - 6

There was that Blair Alston free-kick he almost spilled into his net. Other than that there was the odd goal kick.

Mikael Lustig - 7

Really growing into a right-sided centre-back. Seems to be thriving not having to cover the full flank, can instead focus on providing defensive solidity. Will hardly have a more comfortable game of football.

Nir Bitton - 6

Erratic with the ball but a classy centre-back at this level.

Dedryck Boyata - 6

There were no concentration dips, just a serene outing with little to do.

James Forrest - 6

After a performance described by some as “world class” against Bayern Munich it was a much more reserved outing. If he does not produce sufficient attacking output he at least provides an outlet and goes about his defensive duties diligently.

Scott Brown - 7

An afternoon stroll made more enjoyable for the Celtic captain as he managed to rile Paul Paton.

Stuart Armstrong - 9

A fantastic performance which encapsulated the positives he brings to this Celtic team. Directness, power and awareness, assisted Moussa Dembele for a wonderful second goal.

Kieran Tierney - 8

The boy is special. He was kept quiet in the first half but his quality and superior physical attributes came to the fore in the second as he played as a winger rather than wing-back.

Callum McGregor - 6

Another star from the Bayern defeat who did not have a massive influence. Neat, tidy and intelligent.

Scot Sinclair - 7

The goal aside it was another muted display by his lofty standards. More and more he is coming under the attentions of man markers but he was lacking in those trademark slaloming runs which he seems to map out before he embarks.

Moussa Dembele - 8

For much of the game it appeared that the Frenchman was set for a quiet 90 minutes which help bring him back to peak shape. Then he started and finished the move for the second and set up the third.

Substitutes

Tom Rogic (for Callum McGregor, 60) - 6

Composed in midfield.

Olivier Ntcham (for Stuart Armstrong, 76) - 7

Out to impress, netted fine effort.

Jonny Hayes (for James Forrest, 77) - N/A

Late sub.