Liam Scales' third goal of the season was enough to seal Celtic a nervy but important 1-0 win over Kilmarnock, signing them off for the international break four points clear of Rangers at the top of the table.
Kasper Hogh thought he had opened the scoring early on before VAR denied him, but there was nothing getting in the way of Scales' looping strike that made it 1-0. Mika Baur later had the ball in the net before a second offside flag spoiled the party, and Benjamin Nygren had the chance to kill the game from the spot but Nico Mantl brilliantly stopped him.
Still, one goal was enough for Celtic in the end. It is now 15 games without a goal for Hogh, but three points on the board is what really matters for Martin O'Neill and Celtic.
Celtic player ratings
Sam Johnstone – 7
Much busier than he'd have liked to have been in the opening stages with a brilliant point-blank stop within the first minute to deny Ieuan Owen. Grew in confidence from that and looked largely solid.
Colby Donovan – 5
Quiet on the ball as Celtic focused much of their play down the other flank. Lost the majority of his defensive duels which wasn't a great look. He'll have better games.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
Cut out the silly mistakes he made at Falkirk a week ago which is a good start. Won 100% of his aerial battles and he's been restored as a key presence at the back for the Hoops.
Liam Scales – 8
He's becoming Celtic's metronome and once again saw more of the ball than any other player. He had more final third entries than any other player by a distance – perhaps down to the high line the Hoops played with – and he came up big with the opening goal.
Midfield and attack ratings
Kieran Tierney – 7
Was a constant presence down the left. Looked better with Jota in front of him than with Yang in the second half. Still, did his defensive work well and showed for the ball plenty. Given a deserved rest for the closing stages.
Callum McGregor – 7
Tried to keep things going and force it when Celtic were struggling to impose themselves. He found the mark with 98 per cent of his passes and every one in the final third. Steadily regaining his influence over the Celtic midfield.
Mika Baur – 7
Stood out just as much for the work he did off the ball as he did on it. He was deployed further out to the left than his usual role as Celtic reverted to a flatter 4-3-3, and his passing in the final third was flawless when he managed to get up the park. It was a concern to see him going off injured late on.
Camilo Duran – 6
He's got a habit, particularly in the league, of not really being in games but still coming up with moments. His cross for Scales helped get Celtic's noses in front but the Colombian was barely involved otherwise.
Benjamin Nygren – 6
Did a bit of everything to try and get Celtic going and can't be accused of hiding. End product wasn't quite there – he couldn't even score from the penalty spot when given the chance – but did offer a threat on occasion.
Jota – 5
Still lacking sharpness and wasn't really involved enough before being hooked at the break. There's better to come from the superstar from Portugal.
Kasper Hogh – 5
Had the ball in the back of the net but even that wasn't enough to break his 15-game duck after it was pulled back for an offside. He can't complain about the supply this time with 11 touches in the Kilmarnock box and five shots, but once again he leaves with nowt to his name.
Substitutes' contributions
Yang – 6
Offered plenty of energy and his shot won Celtic a penalty in the second half.
James Forrest – 4
On for the final 20 as O'Neill rejigged the forward line. Didn't get much joy as Celtic managed the game well in the closing stages.
Luke McCowan – 3
Late replacement for Nygren and will be chuffed to be involved in back-to-back games after so long out in the cold. But didn't have much involvement here.
Dane Murray – 3
Offered some late relief for Tierney.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 3
On for the injured Baur in the closing stages but didn't see much of the ball.
