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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Craig Swan

Celtic player ratings as brilliant Liel Abada dazzles again in latest Rangers thrashing

It was another derby day to remember for Celtic as they stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership table to five points with just six games on the board.

Ange Postecoglou 's team smelled blood from minute one and were right on it with even an early injury to Kyogo failing to knock them out of their rhythm. From the minute Liel Abada's brilliant opener squirmed under Jon McLaughlin, it had looked as if it might get hairy for Gio van Bronckhorst and his team.

Jota added a second with a brilliant dink over the Gers stopper just after the half-hour mark and Abada added a third before the break. And a clanger from McLaughlin allowed David Turnbull to put the cherry on the cake as the game approached the final ten minutes to put some daylight between the Glasgow rivals, even at this early stage.

It's Real Madrid next for the Hoops but for now, here is how Record Sport rated the players.

Celtic player ratings

JOE HART - Keeper had little to do before the interval except make a save from a Davis effort and made some routine claims. Arfield inside the box when he passed the ball to him. Two late saves when the game was over. 8.

JOSIP JURANOVIC - Strong against Kent on his side and was up to the task of keeping the winger in check as well as pushing him back the pitch and making bursts. One strike just over the bar. 8.

CAMERON CARTER VICKERS - Central defender was calm on the ball and strong with his jobs. Took care of most things at source and rock for the team on which to build. Booked for clipping Kent. 8.

CARL STARFELT - Swede got away with a loose opening period header after miscommunication. Excellent covering header and intervention at the beginning of the second half before having to go off with a knock. 7.

GREG TAYLOR - Terrific down his side as he left Tillman for dead time and again before half-time. Different test against Wright and was also the master of that contest as he performed with excellence at left-back. 8.

CALLUM McGREGOR - Skipper kept getting on it and making passes as he got away from Kamara constantly in the first half. Captain made sure the team kept up their pace after the interval and a leader. 8.

REO HATATE - Asian kept picking up spaces to take possession and fill the gaps as Taylor charged onto the offensive. Neat and tidy on the ball and surged forward to rifle one drive high over the bar. 7.

MATT O’RILEY - Alert and alive to a quick throw in and he delivered a cross for Abada to open the scoring and sublime through pass for Jota to bag the second. In the box at the third and a constant threat. 8.

LIEL ABADA - Israeli got the nod to start over Daizen Maeda and instantly repaid the manager’s faith with an opener and a third with razor-sharp movement and finishing. Shot over for a hat-trick but a blistering contribution. 9.

KYOGO FURUHASHI - The Japanese striker lasted barely seconds before having to go off. The hitman was hurt after a collision with Lundstram and was unable to continue due to a shoulder injury. 1.

JOTA - Kept the pace of the game up to allow Abada to score first and a brilliant touch and finish to produce the game’s outstanding piece of magic. Gave Tavernier a horrendous time and a sublime show from the Portuguese. 8.

Substitutes

GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS - Greek was thrust straight into the action and missed a golden chance from O’Riley cross. Worked the Rangers backline. 7.

MORITZ JENZ - German moved into the central defence after Starfelt sustained his injury and was solid. 5.

DAVID TURNBULL - On to provide some midfield creation and took advantage of McLaughlin’s gift to slot home the fourth. 5.

AARON MOOY - Into the contest for Hatate to stiffen the engine room and did just that. 4.

DAIZEN MAEDA - Japanese took over from the tiring Abada in the final 20 minutes and full of energy. 4.

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