Celtic made the lengthy trip to Dingwall on Saturday as Ange Postecoglou looked to retain his side’s nine point lead at the top of the table. 

And keep said gap the Aussie did as two late goals in each half from Jota and Alexandro Bernabei alike ensured Celtic headed back down to Glasgow victorious. 

Here’s how the players rated. 

Joe Hart – 7/10

Joe Hart was confident and accurate when playing the ball out from the back. The Englishman made a big save in the first half but other than that, had little to do. Nevertheless, he was ready when called upon, as any Celtic ‘keeper should be. 

Alistair Johnston – 8/10

Alistair Johnston was once more consistent at right back. The Canadian got down the right hand side amply, putting in a number of dangerous crosses that begged for someone to get on the end of. As well as impressing going forward, Johnston remained well founded at the back. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7/10

Carter-Vickers was stout at the back throughout the match. He was a calm and composed figure but when he needed to be, the American wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. 

Carl Starfelt – 6/10

The 27 year old won several duels up against the likes of Eamonn Brophy and Jordan White and although he admittedly had a few shaky moments, on the whole, Starfelt was adequate. 

Greg Taylor – 7/10

The Scottish left back came off injured just after the hour mark but still put in a virtuous performance. Taylor got forward on a fair few occasions, being unlucky not to net whilst keeping his passing and on the ball play consistent. 

Tomoki Iwata – 6/10

On his first Celtic start, Iwata didn’t standout yet failed to really look out of place. The 2022 J. League MVP started at the base of Celtic’s midfield and knocked the ball about decently. No one can replace what McGregor brings in that position however Iwata didn’t look out of place. 

Callum McGregor – 8/10

Iwata’s presence allowed Callum McGregor to be pushed further forward today and the Celtic captain excelled. The 29 year old stood out as he constantly drove forward, getting heavily involved on the left hand side as he led by example. 

Matt O’Riley – 6/10

The most advanced of Celtic’s midfielders this afternoon, Matt O’Riley had a rather muted performance. The former MK Dons man didn’t standout as McGregor and Iwata seemed to take the reigns in the engine room. 

Jota – 9/10

In Celtic’s first game back after the international break, Jota was man of the match. The Portuguese bagged a goal and assist alike, firstly powerfully netting from the penalty spot before teeing up Alexandro Bernabei who rattled home into the top corner late on. Jota was lively throughout the 90 and could’ve had another for himself if his left footed effort that hit the bar had a bit more dip to it.  

Daizen Maeda – 7/10

The Japanese international was active on the left hand side, looking to flash across goal on a number of occasions. Daizen Maeda also had a few chances for himself however he should’ve had an assist when he played in his fellow countryman Kyogo. Nevertheless, Maeda remained effective throughout his time on the park. 

Kyogo – 6/10

Kyogo did have a few opportunities this afternoon although he failed to take any of them. Many were left jaw dropped when the Japanese fired wide after Maeda put it on a plate for them. The 28 year old’s search for league goal number 21 goes on. 

Substitutes 

Once more, the majority of Celtic’s substitutes were greatly effective. 

Alexandro Bernabei came on with 25 to go in place of Greg Taylor and brought his characteristic vivacity down the left hand side. The young left back always looked to get forward and when the ball fell to him at the edge of the box late on, he took no hesitations in thundering it into the top corner to score his maiden Celtic goal. It will be intriguing to see who gets the nod at left back in next week’s derby because we don’t currently know the extent of Taylor’s injury. 

Then on 75 minutes, Ange Postecoglou made his customary triple change. Oh replaced Kyogo up top and was a more direct target as Celtic went long later on. Moreover, the South Korean was able to take the ball down effectively, particularly when he immensely turned his man and drove in towards goal. 

Sead Haksabanovic also came on alongside Oh. The Montenegrin got on the ball a fair amount on the left, cutting inside and causing Connor Randall some problems. 

David Turnbull was the third of the three subs with 15 to go yet was the least lively of the trio. The Scot did look to play forward however didn’t do much. 

The final Celtic change of the afternoon saw Rocco Vata make his second first team appearance. The 17 year old replaced Jota and was unlucky not to connect with the ball when he slid in at the back post from Bernabei’s cross deep into stoppage time. 

All attention for Celtic now turns to next week’s Glasgow derby. The Hoops weren’t at their best today however they got what mattered – three vital points.