Celtic Player Ratings: How Schlupp, Murray & Yang performed vs Raith

Starting XI

Viljami Sinisalo – 7
His first appearance since arriving last summer from Aston Villa. Sinisalo had one save to make in the opening half, which he parried out for a corner. Nothing to do in the second half, as it was a dream debut for the Finland international. More to come, but a steady showing.

Anthony Ralston – 7
In for Alistair Johnston for the second weekend running, Ralston was careless with the ball a couple of times, though he looked a threat when going forward. Unlucky not to grab an assist for his cross to Daizen Maeda, though he and Yang would link up in the second half to give the right-back a goal contribution. Steady.

Dane Murray – 8
His first start for Celtic since 2021, the young defender looked composed on the ball, displaying a no-nonsense approach with any crosses and passes that came his way from the opposition. Lasted the full 90 minutes, as the academy graduate strolled through his first full game under Brendan Rodgers.

Liam Scales – 7
The reliable defender had nothing to do in his half, as Celtic looked to get forward at every opportunity versus Raith. Alongside Murray, the two had very little to do, with more focus being on the side’s attack than their defensive duties. Was shifted out to left-back, as Maik Nawrocki partnered Murray for the closing stages.

Jeffrey Schlupp – 7
Making his first start since his arrival earlier in the week, the Ghanaian international looked composed out on the left flank, as he offered Yang and his teammates some support – a measure of his experience. Nothing groundbreaking, but Schlupp looked as if he will be useful for the club going forward.

Callum McGregor – 7
The captain played well for the 60 minutes he was on the park, as Celtic strolled to victory in this one. Was taken off on the hour mark as the game was over – good management from Rodgers concerning the captain. Solid.

Paulo Bernardo – 5
The Portugal U21 captain started this game well and was involved in the lead-up to the opener via an assist, though his appearance was unfortunately cut short due to an injury sustained halfway through the opening 45 minutes. Clearly disappointed, the young midfielder has been waiting for his start to come. Here’s hoping Bernardo makes a speedy recovery, as the games keep coming thick and fast for Celtic.

Luke McCowan – 8
Easily Celtic’s best midfielder on the day, McCowan was front and centre of everything good about the home side’s display against Raith. Provided the assist for Maeda’s brilliant hattrick, as he put the ball on a plate for the omnipresent winger to dispatch. Such a reliable player – he will be important for the league run-in for Celtic, as rotation will be required. A joy to watch in the middle of the park.

Yang Hyun-jun – 9
Easily his best game for Celtic, the South Korea winger was brilliant in this one, as he contributed a goal and two assists for his team. Unselfish with his two crosses into Maeda, he was rewarded with a great ball from Ralston into his path, as he expertly finished on the half-volley shortly before coming off. A brilliant showing for the winger – maybe there is some life in his Celtic career.

Daizen Maeda – 10
Playing through the middle for this one, it did not take long for Celtic’s main man to make his mark, as he would score early on to put his side ahead. He would add another two in the game, as another match ball joined his growing collection. Flawless from Celtic’s best attacker this season – he is tearing teams apart on a regular basis now.

Nicolas Kuhn – 6
Eager to make things happen, Kuhn and his fellow winger Yang switched wings when possible in order for the German to be more involved, though it was the latter who contributed more in the contest. Didn’t really happen for the winger today, unfortunately – not a big issue in the grand scheme of things.

Substitutes

Reo Hatate – 6
An early sub for the injured Bernardo, Hatate did his job well in the middle of the park, though it was McCowan that was the most effective in this position. A good run-out from the always-available midfielder.

Arne Engels – 3
Came on to see off the game, but was not as influential as he was last time out. Big night awaits on Wednesday.

Jota – 3
A small cameo for the returning winger, who saw little of the ball, admittedly.

Johnny Kenny – 3
Was offered little service, as the game was over by the point he came onto the park.

Maik Nawrocki – 2
A rare run-out for the lesser-spotted defender.