BAIN: Took the starting shirt from Craig Gordon as Brendan Rodgers continued his Cup tradition of swapping keepers and barely muddied his gloves. Little to do for the Celtic back-up keeper. (6)
LUSTIG: Felt the weight of Steven MacLean’s arm on the side of his head after just 55 seconds and for which the Hearts forward went straight into the book. (7)
AJER: Back in for his first start since the end of September after sustaining a hamstring injury and strolled through the game given the toothlessness of Hearts up front. Last until the 80th minutes before Jack Hendry gave him a breather. (7)
BENKOVIC: Back in after missing the midweek Europa League because of injury and exudes calmness at the heart of the Celtic defence. Almost found the net at the other end as Celtic went on the hunt for further goals in the second period. (7)
TIERNEY: Let fly with a rasping long-range effort as Celtic tried to further turn the screw on Hearts and put in his usual shift on the left-hand flank. (7)
FORREST: Had a lot of space on the right-hand side but final ball uncharacteristically let him down at times in the opening period. Upped it in the second period and linked well with Rogic again. (8)
KOUASSI: Held onto his starting slot in the continued absence of Scott Brown. Complained to referee Willie Collum that he had had his delicate area grabbed by the hand of MacLean as the two grappled at a corner. Last meaningful involvement until he was replaced by Scott Sinclair. (6)
ROGIC: Seemed to be able to find the space to drive through the middle of the park and grew in influence as the game wore on. (7)
NTCHAM: Replaced at the break by Ryan Christie as he struggled with an injury. Had gone into the game carrying a knock and was involved in the physical elements of the opening period. (5)
MCGREGOR: Had one effort straight at Hearts keeper Zlamal in the opening period and patrolled the
EDOUARD: The only fit striker at the club but will kick himself that he wasn’t on the scoresheet yesterday. One header that went over the bar and then fluffed his lines after being put through by Rogic in the second period. Had an effort cleared off the line in the late stages. (7)
SINCLAIR: Had the best chance of the game in the opening period when he forced a decent save from Hearts keeper Zdenek Zlamal just before the interval. Sent Hearts keeper Zlamal the wrong way to bury the penalty to give Celtic the lead in what had been a nervy game. (8)
CHRISTIE: Replaced Ntcham at the break and to put in a fine second-half display. Won the penalty that broke Hearts’ resistance, could have claimed the second and scored Celtic’s sublime third. (9)
HENDRY: On for the tiring Ajer for the final stages of the game as Celtic saw thee game out. (4)
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