JOE HART 7
Veteran showed he’s still got the nerve for the big occasion. Good save to hold onto stinging Cantwell drive and even better one to deny McCausland with a strong right hand just before break. No chance with Tavernier free kick.
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON 6
First into book for lunging in on Sima and should have been punished for slack pass that allowed Dessers in on goal but did well to race back and thwart dallying Gers man. Survived a handball scare late in first half after VAR check.
STEPHEN WELSH 4
Another pressure cooker appearance for the defender as he replaced crocked Carter-Vickers but 23-year-old lasted just 34 minutes himself after injuring his shoulder diving in on Dessers.
LIAM SCALES 7
Couple of sloppy moments in possession early on but won majority of his headers and challenges and kept it simple as game wore on with Gers upping the pressure. Ends massive year on a high.
GREG TAYLOR 6
Has had his critics this season and a few tricky early moments as McCausland got in behind and struggled to get forward but kept composure as Gers rallied late on.
CALLUM McGREGOR 8
A veteran of this fixture, the skipper oozed class as he drove side on and kept ball ticking over. So much of his work goes unnoticed but tidy use of ball opened up angles and off the ball he covered every blade of grass. Booked late on.
MATT O’RILEY 8
Quiet first half by his own standards and booked for lunging in but produced pass for Kyogo goal after break and it’s now five assists in nine Old Firms for Englishman. Burst nose from flailing Sterling arm but superb second half.
PAULO BERNARDO 7
Slow start at Celtic but Portuguese may have hit fast forward now with second goal in a week. Missed early headed chance before firing just wide but third time lucky as he took roof off stadium with a brilliantly controlled half volley. Booked for celebration.
DAIZEN MAEDA 6
Jet-pack forward has still to rediscover spark after injury lay-off. Pace should have given Yilmaz a torrid time but not at his best. Poor control let him down early on and produced little other than his usual work rate.
LUIS PALMA 7
Charged with producing left wing magic going forward and stopping Tavernier’s threat going the other way. Managed both as he swung in corner for opening goal and minimised Gers’ skipper’s danger before being subbed on 82 minutes.
KYOGO FURUHASHI 8
Short of confidence? No chance! Early sniff of goal after darting in behind Goldson and denied by Butland but boy does the talisman enjoy this fixture as he produced a sensational touch and left-footed drive from 20 yards to make it 2-0.
SUBS:
MAIK NAWROCKI 6
Forgotten man was thrust into first action since August to replace injured Welsh after 34 minutes. Blocked McCausland chance moments later and threw himself into a couple of key interceptions and blocks. But conceded foul for Gers’ goal.
DAVID TURNBULL 4
On for Bernardo with 20 minutes remaining .. booked for hauling down Sterling.
OH HYEON-GYU 2
On for Kyogo in 82nd minute to give goal hero a rousing reception and help Hoops see out victory.
MIKEY JOHNSTON 1
On for Maeda with eight minutes to go to run down clock but guilty of switching off as Hoops had to defend.
LIEL ABADA 2
Replaced Palma on 82 minutes to a huge ovation as he made first appearance since last Old Firm.
NOT USED: Bain, Yang, Hatate, Ralston.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
