Liel Abada gave Ange Postecoglou food for thought as he justified his selection with two assists against Livingston.
The Israeli was the only change from the weekend win over Aberdeen and he played a major role as Celtic made it two wins from two games post-World Cup shutdown with a 2-1 win at Parkhead. The scoreline didn't reflect the possession on show for the Hoops who will be disappointed not to have found the net on further occasions. VAR ruled out one effort but the most important thing is three points and with that they restore their nine point advantage over Rangers at the Premiership summit.
Abada's cross was turned in for an own goal to opening the scoring before Kyogo Furuhashi fired home at the near post after a stunning low ball across goal. Nicky Devlin was on target for the visitors on a rare attack forward in the first period. Here's how we rated the home side at Parkhead.
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Joe Hart - 5
Quiet night at the office for the Celtic No1 but still had to pick the ball out his net. One real save of note.
Anthony Ralston - 7
Heavily involved. Stunning ball to Abada in build up to second goal. Forced off after 55 minutes. Playing very well until this point.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6
Good at stepping out of the defence and pushing the ball forward. Quiet night defensively. Will have busier games.
Carl Starfelt - 6
Like his defensive partner, plenty of the ball with Hoops dominating possession.
Greg Taylor- 6
Like Ralston, Taylor loves to get forward on overlap. Full of energy.
Callum McGregor - 6
Loves to get on the ball and dictate play. Constantly barking out instructions. Another good showing.
Matt O'Riley - 6
Stunning pass to set Reo Hatate through on angle early on. A real mainstay in the side.
Reo Hatate - 7
Close-range shot superbly saved. Excellent range of passing and vision. Had plenty of the ball. Hit post early on. Subbed.
Liel Abada - 8
His cross forced own goal opener after defender put past own goalkeeper. Set up the second for Kyogo. A constant threat throughout. Goal ruled out by VAR. Man of the match.
Jota - 6
Full of tricks and flicks. Fired in a number of dangerous crosses. Subbed.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 7
Denied by a superb save just before the 30 minute mark. Got his goal right on half-time. Subbed late on.
Subs
Alexandro Bernabei - 4
On for Anthony Ralston for final 35 minutes. Booked.
David Turnbull - 4
On for Hatate for final 25 minutes. No real stand out moments.
Sead Haksabanovic - 4
Missed the game at the weekend with a knock. Scored in Celtic's last home game. A welcomed return to action.
Aaron Mooy - 3
World Cup star returned after impressing for Australia. Got final 10 minutes here.
Giorgos Giakoumakis - 3
On as a late sub. No real time to make an impact.
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