Celtic player ratings vs Hibs: 7/10 workhorse conquers stormy capital conditions to hit double figures

Celtic came from behind to claim all three points against rock-bottom Hibs at Easter Road, with Camilo Duran firing home just before half-time to condemn the capital strugglers to another frustrating defeat.

Despite Storm Boelo bringing overnight gusts of up to 85mph, the match went ahead in chilly, blustery conditions that made life difficult for both sets of players dealing with high balls into the box.

Hibs made the perfect start when Owen Elding drilled home in the second minute after Joe Newell took a quick free-kick, catching visiting defender Dane Murray off-guard. However, the visitors were level just four minutes later when Jason Kerr inexplicable headed Benjamin Nygren’s corner into his own net.

Hibs threatened to restore their advantage through Josh Mulligan and Thibault Klidje, who squandered a golden opportunity to restore the lead after Colby Donovan misjudged a long aerial ball.

Hibs were made to pay almost immediately as Duran collected a loose ball, cut inside onto his left foot and unleashed a clinical finish into the far corner shortly before half-time, taking his season’s tally into double figures.

The second half offered considerably less quality, although Mika Baur forced an excellent save from Raphael Sallinger with a raking long-range effort. Celtic introduced fit-again Alistair Johnston, Haissem Hassan and Jota as they looked to press home their advantage, while Hibs threw centre-back Grant Hanley up front in a late attempt to salvage a share of the spoils.

Hanley came close to making an instant impact when fellow substitute Rabbi Matondo’s deflected shot flashed just beyond his reach, before Cameron Carter-Vickers produced a vital late block to thwart Mulligan.

The defeat extends Hibs’ winless league run to seven matches, piling further pressure on new head coach Marink Reedijk, whose side remain rooted to the foot of the league table. Celtic, by contrast, bounced back from their midweek Europa League disappointment against Celta Vigo to strengthen their position at the summit.

Here’s how we rated the Celtic players at Easter Road...

GK - Sam Johnstone (5/10)

Unconvincing with the ball at his feet. No chance of keeping out Elding’s opener. Still yet to prove he is a better option than Viljami Sinisalo.

RCB: Colby Donovan (6/10)

A mixed bag. Timely sliding intervention to prevent Mulligan from racing clean through on goal, but then caught ball watching shortly after, which almost allowed Klidje to score. Subbed.

CB: Dane Murray (4/10)

His fifth consecutive start but looked all over the place. A couple of stray passes played the visitors into trouble and fast asleep at Hibs’ quickly-taken free-kick after just two minutes. Subbed.

CB: Liam Scales (6/10)

Marshalled the backline relatively well. Somehow escaped a booking for hauling down Klidje in the first-half.

LB: Kieran Tierney (6/10)

Quietly effective, with Hibs preferring to target Celtic’s right flank instead. Booked for halting Chaiwa’s progress in the closing stages.

CM: Callum McGregor (6/10)

The skipper carried out a lot of the dirty work. Helped weather a late spell of Hibs pressure.

CM: Mika Baur (6/10)

Let fly from long-range early in the second half with the wind at his back to force Sallinger into an excellent stop down to his left. Sustained a nasty head knock but was able to continue after receiving treatment.

CM: Benjamin Nygren (5/10)

Whipped in the corner that led to Kerr’s early own goal. Wasn’t overly effective in the final third. Saw a second half effort blocked behind for a corner from a threatening position.

RW: Camilo Duran (7/10)

Wasted on the right flank but still produced the goods when his team needed him. Quiet start to the game, but came alive shortly before half-time to fire Celtic into the lead after cutting inside drilling a devastating finish into the far corner. Brushed Chaiwa off the ball before driving forward and seeing a second half effort blocked. A real workhorse. Subbed.

LW: Callum Osmand (6/10)

Looked a real threat down the left-hand side during the first-half. Has quality and imagination in abundance but his end product was severely lacking. Subbed within eight minutes of the second half.

CF: Kasper Hogh (4/10)

Back in from the start, but the Dane's goalless run continued as he made it12 games without scoring. On this evidence, he must feel like his barren run is never going to end after passing up several opportunities again. Denied by Sallinger from close range in the first half. Booked for dissent before half-time. All-round game needs significant improvement. Subbed.

Celtic subs

Alistair Johnston: 2 - Back from another injury lay-off, but lasted only 21 minutes before being withdrawn again rather concerningly.

Haissem Hassan: 4 - Introduced for Hogh just past the hour mark. Carved out a chance for himself and posed a threat.

Jota: 3 - Took over from Osmand. Unable to influence the game a great deal.

Shim Mheuka: 3 - Introduced for Duran with just under 20 minutes remaining. Never got a clear sighting of goal.

Cameron Carter-Vickers: 4 - Like Johnston, was returning from an injury absence. Important block to prevent Mulligan from hitting the target late on.