Celtic steamrolled an in-form Aberdeen 6-0 at Hampden in the Scottish League Cup semi-final this evening.
Here's how Brendan Rodgers' men rated as they booked their place in the 2024 competition's final next month.
Kasper Schmeichel The Danish goalkeeper was untested for the majority of the match, making a handful of comfortable routine saves during the backend of the second period. 7Alistair Johnston A typically aggressive and committed performance from the Celtic full-back who invariably leaves it all on the pitch. As comfortable a game as he's had this season during what was a mostly comfortably uneventful performance for the Canadian. 7Cameron Carter-Vickers Typically solid in the heart of the Celtic defence, and talked his colleagues through their paces throughout. Netted Celtic's opener ahead of the half-hour mark with a strong header from a corner. Made way for Scales not long above the hour. 8Auston Trusty Held his place in the Celtic starting XI in favour of Liam Scales and partnered well with his countryman Carter-Vickers. With each game, the American is growing into his Celtic jersey and has given his manager much to think about in his starting XI decisions. 8
Alex Valle Like Trusty, Valle held his place in the starting line-up despite Greg Taylor's return from injury. As confident in defence as in attack – another performance the Barcelona loanee can be proud of in green and white.8Callum McGregor The Celtic captain marked his return from injury with a typically. Harshly booked half-way through the first period, but otherwise a signature engine-room display from the faultless talisman. 8Arne Engels Pressed the game well and ran his heart out, especially in the first half. Lived up to his 'set piece specialist' billing with a perfect corner-kick assist for Carter-Vickers' headed opener. 8Reo Hatate Balanced his quieter spells with bursts of brilliance on and off the ball, pulling players out of position at will. Under-hit a handful of passes while tiring in the second half, but his vision was always impeccable. 9Nicolas Kuhn Arguably Celtic's most consistent and prolific player so far this season, Nicolas Kuhn impressed once again at Hampden. Phenomenal defence-splitting assist for Daizen Maeda as the latter netted Celtic's third. Even better finish with a curling left-foot to hit his side's fifth. 9Daizen Maeda Renowned for his energy and relentless application on the pitch, the hat-trick hero showcased his signature best on the counter for Celtic's second. Effortless in netting Celtic's third; great positioning to knock home number four and six. 9Kyogo Furuhashi Rightly criticised for his lack of conviction in front of goal against Dundee in midweek, the Japanese forward made no mistake when doubling Celtic's lead from 12 yards with the help of the crossbar. 8
SUBSLiam Scales Dropped in favour of a Trusty/Carter-Vickers central defensive combination. Brought on for the latter on 63 minutes and threw himself about as we're used to seeing.Greg Taylor Brought on for Alex Valle on 63 minutes with very little to do.Paulo Bernardo On for Engels on 63 minutes, and was typically energetic. Played the pass to Johnston who assisted for Daizen Maeda's third of the night, and Celtic's sixth.
Adam Idah On for Kyogo with 20 minutes of normal time remaining, showed strength while leading the line. James Forrest Swapped places with Nicolas Kuhn just over 70 minutes, lively down the flank.
