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

Nicolas Kuhn delighted to open account for season during convincing Celtic win

Nicolas Kuhn was delighted to get up and running for the season with a goal - and most importantly - three points. 

The 24-year-old netted during the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead, in a match where Celtic dominated from start to finish.

Reo Hatate got the goals flowing after 17 minutes before Liam Scales doubled the Hoops' advantage prior to the half-time break. 

Then it was three when the German winger made a swift move from the right, manoeuvring around three Kilmarnock defenders before unleashing a shot that deflected off one of them and curving over Robby McCrorie's head in the opposition goal.

Substitute Anthony Ralston rounded off the scoring in second half stoppage time to ensure a routine victory and put Celtic top of the Scottish Premiership.


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(Image: SNS) Kuhn joined the reigning Scottish champions in January from Rapid Vienna, signing a bumper five-and-a-half year contract, and played 18 times on route to helping Celtic win a domestic Double last season. 

He scored three times from those appearances, yet arguably never displayed the talent that fans expected when he was brought in. 

But after a proactive pre-season, where Celtic beat the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the United States, Kuhn was given a start by Brendan Rodgers for the league curtain-raiser and shone. 

Asked whether Celtic continued where they left off by blowing Kilmarnock aside at ease, the Hoops forward replied: "I think so. I think we have scored four goals in each of our last four games now. We didn't concede one today, so happy days.

"I'm happy that I scored but for the team it was just nice to get a good start."

James McFadden on Sky Sports punditry duty also singled out Kuhn's performance during his post-match analysis. 

He said: "I think he came in with a reputation of being exceptionally fast and struggled to really show it at the tail end of last season. But he's had a pre-season, he looks fit, he looks sharp, you could see the speed that he has, and the quality that he has as well. 

"When you go to a new team in January, it can be difficult because you are trying to learn a different way of playing. You just can't wait to get to your pre-season and start to feel much better. 

"I think he's had a very good pre-season."

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