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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Celtic player ratings as Maeda pen proves decisive and Kuhn shines again

Celtic and Rangers played out a six-goal Scottish League Cup thriller, which saw Kasper Schmeichel's penalty shoot-out save help the Hoops triumph as champions.

It was a pretty drab first half, with Celtic going into the interval a goal behind. But what would occur beyond that was exhilarating. 

Goals from Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda quickly altered the trajectory of the game. Rangers responded through Mohamed Diomande's close-range strike then Nicolas Kuhn thought he had landed the last blow to win it for Celtic. Yet, 21 seconds later, Rangers substitute Danilo had levelled once again. 

It took until penalties for a decisive outcome with Schmeichel saving from Ridvan Yilmaz before Maeda became the hero to win the first silverware of the season for Celtic.

(Image: PA)  Here's how the Celtic players rated at Hampden Park. 

Kasper Schmeichel - Could only palm away Ianis Hagi's effort after five minutes. Then done the same when Hamza Igamane struck before Nedim Bajrami fired home the opener with the rebound. Needed to be alert to save Vaclav Cerny's thunderbolt with 20 to play as Rangers peppered the Celtic 18-yard box. But was left helpless for Mohamed Diomande to equalise for Rangers. Made himself a hero by denying Ridvan Yilmaz from 12-yards. 8

Alistair Johnston - A steady showing from the Canadian right-back considering he was a minor injury doubt ahead of the clash. Withdrawn on 70 minutes. 6

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Recovered from a shaky start which cumulated because of Rangers' high intensity. Made a crucial intervention on 52 minutes to prevent a second goal when Rangers found themselves four on one. 7

Auston Trusty - Preferred to Liam Scales to partner his fellow USA star in the Celtic backline. Played a couple of loose passes that he was fortunate not to get punished for. Run ragged by a Rangers side who clearly meant business. Subbed for Liam Scales at half-time. 5 

Greg Taylor - At fault in the build up to Rangers' opener with a sloppy pass and was unable to make amends before Nedim Bajrami fired into the net. Redeemed himself by equalising for Celtic 10 minutes into the second half with a deflected strike off Nicolas Raskin. 7

Callum McGregor - So often the man for the big occasions. But this was certainly a game where the Celtic captain was made to battle and be patient. He was unable to make any significant impact on the match until sending Jack Butland the wrong way in the shootout. 7

Paulo Bernardo - The Celtic manager made the bold call to select the Portuguese midfielder instead of £11million summer signing Arne Engels, and its was a mixed performance from the 22-year-old. He was fortunate not to be cautioned midway through the first half for a late tackle and his set-piece deliveries were below-par more often than not before the interval. Improved, as did the whole Celtic team, in the second half with more slick passing. 6

Reo Hatate - Denied by Jack Butland on 15 minutes following a blistering counter-attack.  Probably the most composed of the Celtic midfield trio and tried to capitalise when Rangers began to tire as the match progressed.

Nicolas Kuhn - Clearly identified as a huge Celtic threat by Rangers. Was rarely given an inch of space to do what he does best, although when he did, the German showed why his pace and skill can cause anyone trouble. Was always likely to be Celtic's best chance of making something happen - and he did exactly that by netting what he thought was the winner! 9

(Image: PA) Daizen Maeda - Kept up his tireless running from the very first minute but his impact down the left-wing appeared stifled by James Tavernier until he masterminded a complete turnaround by putting Celtic 2-1 up on the hour mark. Nicked the ball off of Leon Balogun then executed a really compose finish beyond Jack Butland. Put in a strong shift defensively too. Although, probably should've got tighter to Vaclav Cerny, who set Danilo up for 2-2. Capped off the day with the decisive penalty. 8

Kyogo Furuhashi - Had a very few chances to test the Rangers goalkeeper. Worked hard to create space for others. Yellow carded. Not his best Celtic performance it's fair to say. 6

Substitutes 

Liam Scales - Slotted in next to Cameron Carter-Vickers after being introduced at the break. Lost concentration and very nearly gave away a penalty in extra-time. Booked for his troubles with the foul taking place right at the edge of the box. Tendency to be wasteful in possession. 6

Arne Engels - Not strong enough when defending the corner that resulted in Rangers making it 2-2. A lot of talk about the youngster fully justifying his hefty summer price tag, although he will be credited with the assist for Kuhn's goal and ensured he scored Celtic's third penalty. 7

Anthony Ralston - Had to be alert to Ianis Hagi's constant presence with the pair engaging in a battle. 6

Adam Idah - The Republic of Ireland striker was the hero during the Scottish Cup final between these two in May and was sent on again this time will the incentive of making history. Coolly dispatched his penalty in the shootout. 7

Alex Valle - Gave Celtic much needed fresh legs for extra-time. 5

James Forrest -  The experienced winger provided Celtic with extra attacking impetus. 5

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