Celtic displayed both their strengths and weaknesses in what was an eventful Flag Day at Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers – in what was his second debut as Celtic manager – got the win he was hoping for, although perhaps not as comfortably as he would have liked. A double from David Turnbull – as well as strikes from Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley – ensured that his familiar-looking side got the three points at home.

The manager said in the aftermath: "I thought we had some really good moments with the ball, but we need to be much better against the ball. We conceded two goals where we have to be better and some of the half chances - especially in the first half. but I think it's what you expect a little bit. It's never going to be perfect in the first game."

Despite Rodgers’ side scoring four goals, it was not all plain sailing for his squad. Indeed, Malky Mackay’s Ross County were an organised and well-drilled unit, putting in a performance that would perhaps suggest their position in the Scottish Premiership may be higher than 11th place, where they ended up last season.

Still, there were far more positives than negatives in Celtic’s performance, especially in an attacking sense. Following some big calls from the manager, usual stalwarts Carl Starfelt and Reo Hatate were benched in favour of debutant Maik Nawrocki and Turnbull.

READ MORE: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gives Carl Starfelt exit 'reasons'

Thankfully, both of these decisions were quickly vindicated, as the duo acquitted themselves well following this vote of confidence from the manager. Nawrocki’s first competitive appearance at Celtic Park was a solid one in which he displayed both his defensive and progressive capabilities. It's early days, but there's plenty to be optimistic about when assessing the former Legia Warsaw player.

With one defender arriving, another looks to depart. Starfelt looks to have made his final contribution to Celtic. After the game, Rodgers said: “He's obviously been a fantastic servant here and he's a great guy and really committed, but there are reasons why he may want to move on, but we'll see how that looks.” Watch this space regarding outgoings – and potential incomings because of this departure.

The second big call was in midfield, where Turnbull played alongside captain Callum McGregor and O’Riley. The former Motherwell man has found himself being a bit-part player in recent times, but it seems that Rodgers’ arrival has sparked his Celtic career back into action. Just in time, too, as he finds himself in the final year of his original contract signed in 2020. This may be an area where Celtic looks to rectify in the shape of an extension moving forward – so long as all parties are willing.

Following a bright start by the visitors, Celtic’s strength and speed would rear its head for the first time. Greg Taylor drove into the box and was taken down by Josh Sims, who could have no complaints with the penalty awarded to the home side. Turnbull stepped up and marked his start with a goal from 12 yards. Spot-kicks were a concern for Celtic last season, but they may have solved this problem in the shape of the Scotland international.

Nine minutes later, Kyogo would double Celtic’s advantage. The key word was speed again, as Liel Abada expertly picked out the man from Japan, who slotted home past Ross Laidlaw in the Staggies net. The goalscorer was playing in a noticeably deeper role, in turn playing as an extra playmaker, which allowed the wingers and other midfielders to push forward and cause havoc offensively. Both contributors to this goal look hungry and driven under the new manager, a scary prospect for the rest of the league.

Right before half-time, the revitalised Turnbull was at the double. He latched onto a lobbed cross by O’Riley right on the by-line, which was checked and verified by VAR. A penny for the thoughts of Hatate, who was still on the bench at this time. Maybe his position as Celtic’s main playmaker isn’t as cemented as he thought? Only time will tell.

3-0 up at the break, and Celtic were on easy street. Or so they thought. The visitors actually outscored them in the second half, converting two goals to the home side’s one after the break. The first of these came from a set piece where Jordan White’s looping header made its way into Joe Hart’s net. Another shaky afternoon for the goalkeeper, who looked awkward all day, including in the concession of this goal. Reinforcements are still very much required in this problem position, that much is clear.

READ MORE: Celtic instant analysis as David Turnbull continues to shine

O’Riley would get in on the goalscoring act, in what was perhaps the best passage of play of the match. Kyogo – in that deeper role – laid the ball off perfectly to the Dane, who smashed the ball past the otherwise-impressive Laidlaw, which effectively sealed the three points.

The scoring was not to end, though, as Ross County rounded off the action with a deflected strike off of the departing Starfelt. If this is to be his final impact as a Celtic player, then it shouldn't sour memories of a tremendous servant to his team over the last two years. 

That apart, the overall performance had a surplus of positives to take. Of course, there is plenty to work on – especially on the defensive end of proceedings – but it was an encouraging home bow for the Scottish champions. Tougher tests will no doubt await, but Rodgers will relish victory - as will his players going forward into the season ahead.