RANGERS
MATT GILKS
We can all agree that he is good with his hands and also his feet – so long as he doesn’t have to kick a football with one of them. Denied Sinclair twice and Armstrong once, but fluffed a kick under pressure which should have led to a goal. Still, he did keep his team in the game at times. 7
LEE HODSON
A nervous start for the surprise starter when he was caught out of possession a couple of times; however, he settled down to have a really decent enough game. Had his hands full and was overrun at times; however, hinted that he can be a regular at right-back. 6
CLINT HILL
The old man of his team needed two quiet words in his ear from Craig Thomson in the opening ten minutes; such was his determination to make an impact. Did a lot of talking and organising, but he will know he got away with one at the disallowed goal. This was probably his best performance yet. 7
ROB KIERNAN
Was up against Dembele and stood up well for the most part. He won a lot of headers and made many more blocks, especially in the second-half just outside his box. But was the wrong side of the Frenchman at the winner. 7
LEE WALLACE
Didn’t see too much of the ball in the first-half – his task was to stop Celtic getting down his wing. Enjoyed more possession after the break, worked every so hard by final delivery was lacking. 6
JASON HOLT
Gave his goalkeeper a heart-attack with a pass-back which belonged in A&E. Made several great runs which were not rewarded with a decent pass. Grew as the game went on, got into great positions and was a constant pest - and was so unfortunate not to score his team's best chance. 7
ANDY HALLIDAY
Even with cramp in his legs and having taken a dull one from Brown, he never stopped getting on the ball, defending when need be and starting moves as well. If there was one player who didn’t deserve to lose it was the Rangers midfielder. 8
JOSH WINDASS
Never got a chance to show his pace which was strange given how much space was on the pitch. Some nice moments here and there, but didn’t really show up enough. Subbed and perhaps wasn't fully fit. 6
JAMES TAVERNIER
He has found his position. Played further forward and while he ran out of a bit of juice by the end, had a really good game. His tussle with Tierney was absorbing and from front to back gave everything and then a bit more. 7
KENNY MILLER
Pressed the Celtic defence all day, he’ll get tired when he hits 70, and did the job he was asked to do. Several times came deep and used his calmness and good footballing sense to take control of the situation. Was taken off – which didn’t make a huge amount of sense. 6
BARRIE MCKAY
Booked for diving after 14 minutes and that seemed to affect him. It was never a penalty but perhaps the winger was unfortunate to get a yellow. The lad has talent but needs to give more. There was a moment in the second-half when he got free of Brown, but seemed to lack confidence and the Celtic captain caught him. 6
SUBSTITUTES
MARTYN WAGHORN
Came in off the wing a few times to have a shot but there were too many bodies in the way. 5
JOE GARNER
Asked to ruffle up the Celtic defence but hardly saw the ball. 4
JOE DODOO
Actually brought something to his team when he got on. Was direct and strong. 6
Not used: Foderingham Crooks, Senderos, O’Halloran
CELTIC
CRAIG GORDON
Had nothing to do in the first-half and then made a couple of simple enough saves to make after that. His kicking did put his team under more pressure than need be at times, but this was a straightforward afternoon for the keeper. 6
MIKAEL LUSTIG
What a difference in a player from the one who could hardly walk after games last season. Powered up that right wing making passes, challenges and interceptions. The Swede is back to his best which means Celtic have one of their best players back. 7
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
Showed up well again, he obviously likes these games, and should have had a second Old Firm goal to his name. Confident in the air and on the ground, and also was impressive as he took the ball into the Rangers half. 8
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Went wandering at bit early on in that was a touch guilty of trying to do everything. Settled down into a fine performance and his block too deny Holt, when he got enough of his body to the ball, was a game-changing moment. 7
KIERAN TIERNEY
As always, the teenager was good. Strong going forward, he even had a shot on target early on, and when under pressure always knew when to play a safe pass. It was great watching him and Tavernier going at it. That on its own was a real watch. 7
SCOTT BROWN
What can you say apart from he was magnificent? You could have lost count with the number of times the captain won back the ball; however, he was never happy to settle for that. He would then get past his man to set up an attack. Superb. 9
N
IR BITTON
It has become noticeable that lot of Celtic fans turn away whenever the Israeli takes one too many touches or a couple more seconds than he should do when in possession. He has to give himself a shake because he was poor again. Subbed after an hour. 4
JAMES FORREST
All that space and he kept running into blue jerseys in the first-half. Was far more effective in the second 45 even if some of his shots were poor. Proved a useful outlet and got back to defend. A bit of everything, good and bad, so much the same as usual. 6
TOM ROGIC
A shot on 18 minutes was deflected onto the top of the net and then he wasted a great chance to score when Rangers defence suffered a senior moment. Always looked to score and create, Rangers didn’t how quite how to handle him, and was unfortunate to be taken off. 7
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Must have thought that it wasn’t to be his day. He saw two decent efforts saved by Gilks and then a free-kick was touched onto the crossbar. Not as his best, as it happens, and still made a huge contribution. 7
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Caught offside a couple of times when he should have read the play a bit better on a day which wasn’t really happening for him. Then he produced that sublime finish to make it four in two games against Rangers. 7
SUBSTITUTES
STUART ARMSTRONG
Brought real life to his team when he got on. What impressed most was his willingness to get into the box. 7
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
First touch was a great cross which came within an inch or so of being a goal. Next he set up the actual goal with another fine pass. Should have scored to be fair, but this is what a sub is supposed to do. 7
CRISTIAN GAMBOA
Got the last few minutes as his team saw out the win. 1
Not used: De Vries, Toure, Roberts, McGregor
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