Celtic’s blistering first-half display against Kilmarnock is continuing to draw rave reviews, with pundits hailing the 5-1 dismantling as one of their finest showings of the season.

After an extremely poor and disappointing match in Perth against St Johnstone, Celtic had to go out and make a statement, and they certainly did.

The only negative for the Hoops was that they couldn’t seal the league in front of a home crowd. Had they got a result the week before, Saturday wouldve been brilliant, with party mode in full swing.

The manager made a few changes to the side that lost at St Johnstone the week before, and the response was emphatic. Greg Taylor, restored at left-back, earned plaudits for a commanding performance, while James Forrest impressed with his quality and experience on the right.

Speaking after the match on Open Goal, Paul Slane didn’t hold back in describing the Hoops’ dominance:

“Celtic were unbelievable.

“That first half an hour, genuinely, it could have been 10-0 it was an onslaught.

“They were playing quicker, playing forward, but I do think the changes made a difference. They got that spot on. They needed to make a few changes.

“Greg Taylor was exceptional, Forrest was really good. The link-up with Forrest, Engles and Johnston down that right-hand side and then on the left-hand side with Taylor, Hatate Maeda was just unbelievable. Killie didn’t know what to do.”

Celtic were 4-0 up inside 24 minutes and played with the kind of tempo and purpose that’s defined their domestic dominance in recent seasons. With the title almost wrapped up, Rodgers will now be hoping for more of the same in Tayside next weekend.

But first, there is a Scottish Cup semi-final to prepare for.