GORDON (5) Great save early on to deny Schalk by diving low to his right. Guessed wrongly for penalty. Did well to react quickly to a swerving Woods effort before the break. Received a booking for protesting in the wake of County’s second. Left exposed for all three he let in and pulled off save of the season to stop it being four.

LUSTIG (5) The stand-in captain tried his best to dig his defence out of trouble but was always facing an uphill task as the Highlanders flooded forward in numbers. Claimed for a penalty with 20 minutes to go, but referee got it right.

AMBROSE (2) Celtic’s bombscare Bhoy pressed the self-destruct bottom early this week, after just 14 minutes to be exact. Had one header cleared off the line and one fly wide early on, while a clumsy clip on Schalk at the other end was rightly awarded as a County penalty. Referee Craig Thomson probably correct to flash red card, too.

BOYATA (4) Wasn’t as poor as the man he started with in central defence, but that’s not saying much. Failed to hold his line for County’s third and allowed Schalk to stay onside and kill the game.

TIERNEY (5) The teenager hasn’t had a bad game for Celtic since emerging earlier this season, and it was more of the tenacity we have come to expect from the left-back. Didn’t do much wrong and put through several clever balls behind the County defence.

BITTON (5) Was part of a Celtic midfield that became over-run, particularly in the second half. Having said that, still could consider himself unlucky to be substituted on 66 minutes instead of Armstrong.

ARMSTRONG (4) Whistled a shot just over the bar with the game tied at 1-1 in the first half. Was about his best contribution as he struggled, particularly as County’s man advantage took hold.

MACKAY-STEVEN (5) His legs and pace got him the opening goal after just 26 seconds. Like the rest of his midfield, struggled to make his presence felt despite plenty effort.

JOHANSEN (7) The Norwegian has been heavily criticised for his form this season for his form. Not yesterday, though. His delivery from corners was terrific while his energy was key in Celtic’s longevity in the face of adversity.

McGREGOR (3) Sacrificed after 15 minutes through no fault of his own as 10-man Celtic reshuffled. Was the 22-year-old’s brilliant through ball that sparked opener.

GRIFFITHS (5) Great play from the club’s top scorer to race in on goal after just 20-odd seconds and lay the ball off for Mackay-Steven’s opener. His service was poor throughout but squandered a chance of a comeback when he fired he penalty straight at Scott Fox with 15 to go. Almost nicked one back late on.

Substitutes

SVIATCHENKO (6) Thrown on in tumultuous circumstances after just 15 minutes for McGregor, the Danish internationalist should be satisfied with an encouraging debut, despite the result. Won more than of his fair share of balls in the air and showed willingness and fight to drive forward looking for a goal.

BROWN (5) Ronny Deila would have been hoping he would not have needed his talismanic captain. As it transpired, he was called upon after 67 minutes as his team toiled. Making his first appearance since November, even he could not turn this around.

FORREST (3) On for Armstrong with 11 minutes left. Had a couple of good deliveries but couldn't turn the tide.