GORDON: Called upon in the second period to tip over an effort from Paul McLean and then was almost beaten by Sean Crighton who headed the resultant corner wide when he should have scored. Other than that was a spectator for most of the game. (6)

LUSTIG: Set up the third goal for Olivier Ntcham and was there again to tee up Edouard for the fifth of the afternoon. Like Tierney, spent most of time supplementing attacks rather than spoiling them at the back. (7)

BOYATA: Enjoyed his goal as Celtic dominated the game and an afternoon in which he was not overstretched defensively. His fifth consecutive clean sheet playing alongside Ajer. (7)

Read more: Celtic see off Brechin with ease but will look to maintain fluency at Firhill

AJER: Continues to improve in central defence. To be fair was rarely tested defensively but had a few strides out of defence as he brought the ball forward. However, the way he was brushed off by Brechin sub Isaac Layne in the second period suggestions still some defensive work to be done on his game. (7)

TIERNEY: Appears to have benefitted from a bit of time off. Almost teed up Forrest for his second of the day with a looping cross into the box but spent most of his time in advanced positions. (7)

FORREST: Oozing confidence after a strong opening half of the season. Picked up where he left off when he started the goals coming after just 121 seconds. Had the ball in the back of the net before a Brechin player had touched it. (7)

BROWN: Back in action but subbed on the hour mark with the game comfortably won. Usual industrious performance. (7)

MCGREGOR: Looking to pick up the form he showed in the early months of the season. Worked hard and kept Celtic moving forward. Involved in a brief first-half spat with Euan Smith after a challenge. (7)

Read more: Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has no fear over new arrivals in transfer window

NTCHAM: Thumping header after he seemed to hang in the air to put Celtic on easy street just after the restart. Arguably Celtic’s best player against Brechin as he dominated the central pastures setting up attacks and keeping the Parkhead side in possession. (8)

SINCLAIR: Set up the first and scored the second. Looked a little more brighter following the sunshine break in Dubai. Played for almost 70 minutes as Celtic turned their attention to Tuesday’s game against Partick Thistle. (7)

EDOUARD: In from the start following an injury to Leigh Griffiths. Lifted one glorious chance over from just six yards out much to the groans of the stadium. Played the full 90 minutes as Moussa Dembele remained on the bench. Got his goal in the late stages with a dinking finish after being teed up by Lustig. (7)

Read more: Celtic winger James Forrest relishing the best season of his career

BITTON: On to take over from Boyata for the last half hour. Again, not overly troubled. (5)

KOUASSI: The man tipped by Brendan Rodgers to ultimately become Scott Brown’s successor took over from the Celtic skipper on the hour mark. (5)

JOHNSTON: Replaced Scott Sinclair and full of running. With Brechin out on their feet he was able to run at them. (5)