Celtic player ratings vs Ferencvaros: One 7/10 + cluster of 4s as mood darkens after opening Europa League loss

Celtic’s Europa League campaign began with a night of frustration as Ferencvaros claimed a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side to mull over another difficult result just days after their defeat to Rangers.

The hosts made a lively start, enjoying plenty of possession and threatening down both flanks, but the Hungerian champions soon demonstrated their danger on the counter-attack. Celtic fell behind in the 19th minute when Bamidele Yusuf’s low effort took a deflection off Liam Scales and wrong-footed goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.

The Hoops continued to press and eventually found their reward just before half-time. The lively James Forrest created space down the left before finding Kieran Tierney, whose cut-back allowed Mika Baur to finish from close range and restore parity.

The momentum, however, lasted barely a minute. Ferencvaros responded in stoppage time at the end of the first half, with captain Kristoffer Zachariassen turning Yusuf’s clever work into a second goal for the visitors.

Celtic made a change at the interval in an attempt to alter the course of the match by introducing Kasper Hogh in place of the ineffective Oliver Sorensen as O’Neill switched formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2.

But their hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow just two minutes after the restart when former Celtic winger Daniel Arzani collected the ball outside the area before producing a superb strike into the top corner to make it 3-1.

The home side struggled to muster up a response. Ferencvaros defended their advantage without ever looking like conceding, while Celtic’s attempts to create clear openings repeatedly broke down around the visitors’ penalty area.

Substitute Benjamin Nygren came close to reducing the deficit with a curling effort that drifted narrowly wide, while substitute Sebastian Tounekti forced a save from the Ferencvaros goalkeeper soon afterwards.

Here’s how we rated the Celtic players...

GK: Viljami Sinisalo - 5/10

This was as much a test of nerve as it was another look at his credentials to establish himself as Celtic's No.1 after being restored between the sticks following Sam Johnstone's Old Firm woes. No chance of keeping out Yusuf's defected shot from the edge of the box. Down well to his right to push Arzani's low shot away to safety and called into action again moments later to deny Gomez. Let Zachariassen's neat flicked finish creep under his body. Distribution was good overall but beaten three times.

RB: Colby Donovan - 5/10

Got off to a encouraging start but had his work cut out dealing with two attackers throughout most of the game as he Hungarians clearly looked to target the teenager. Needed some support and too often it wasn't forthcoming. Guilty of losing possession high up the pitch before Ferencvaros countered to make it 3-1 shortly after the restart. His work-rate cannot be questioned.

CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6/10

Defended his box well for the majority of the game, although he had a part to play in the concession of Ferencvaros' second goal

CB: Liam Scales - 4/10

Not an evening he'll look back on with fond memories. Allowed Yusuf's effort to deflect off him and past his own keeper for the Hungarians' opener. Caught napping to allow Zachariassen to nip in front of him for the second goal. Sloppy in possession at times.

LB: Kieran Tierney - 6/10

Linked well with Forrest down the left flank in the opening 48 minutes and made a number of positive overlapping runs. Had a strike from the edge of the box after 40 seconds deflected behind for a corner. Clever pick-out to find Baur for the equaliser after a surging forward run. Bamboozled by Yusuf in the build-up to the visitors' second goal

CM: Callum McGregor - 5/10

The skipper needs more help in the middle of the park. Played a short corner routine with Hassan that led him having a shot from the edge of the box, which took a deflection and flashed just past the post. Unable to drum up a response from his team mates after the Hungarians' third goal shortly after break.

CM: Mika Baur - 6/10

Lost possession cheaply in the build up to Arzani's chance and was struggling to impact proceedings until finding himself unmarked in the box to sweep home Tierney's low cutback to level the contest. The goal capped off a dream 24 hours after earning his first Germany call-up. Overall contribution, though, was lacking. Subbed

CAM: Oliver Sorensen - 4/10

Yet to prove his worth. Drifted into some promising areas but struggled to make a meaningful impact. Survived a penalty appeal late in the first half before being hooked at half-time.

RW: Haissem Hassan - 5/10

Most of Celtic's attacking threat came down the opposite flank. Overhit an early dinked cross. Looked a real threat when he had the ball at his feet, although those moments were fleeting in the first half. Suspect defensively and eventually substituted. Needs to contribute more.

LW: James Forrest - 7/10

Making his first start since the Scottish Cup final in May, he looked sharp from the outset and was the beating heart of Celtic’s attacking play. Direct and intent on getting balls into the box at every opportunity. Curling cross to the front post teed up Duran’s early chance. Burst through on goal after 13 minutes but was denied by Varga from an acute angle. Involved in the build-up to Baur’s equaliser. Subbed after 56 minutes, but still arguably Celtic's best player.

CF: Camilo Duran - 5/10

Given the chance to stake a claim to be the first-choice central striker having impressed in the position so far, but cut an isolated figure in the first half. Unable to convert an early chance after latching onto Forrest's cross and was often chasing a lost cause. Fired off target from 30 yards late in the first half. A lack of service meant he wasn't seen to much effect. High press on the keeper led to Nygren's second half chance

Celtic Subs

Kasper Hogh: 3/10 - In dire need of a goal. Introduced at half-time for Sorensen and came within inches of connecting with Duran's delivery, but had no real impact.

Sebastien Tounekti: 5/10 - A big 30 minutes for the Tunisian after drawing plenty of criticism for his lack of contribution in recent weeks. Looked lively and stung the keeper's palms with a powerful drive.

Benjamin Nygren: 6/10 - Brought on for Hassan. Curled an effort narrowly wide from edge of the box and could only find the roof of the net from 25 yards with the goal gaping after slack play from the visiting keeper. Looked very bright.

Luke McCowan: 4/10- Replaced Baur for the final 25 mins. An improvement on his last European cameo.

Anthony Ralston: N/A - Entered the fray for the last 10 mins and was steady enough.