Celtic player ratings: Liel Abada nets double as Hoops cruise past Motherwell to reach League Cup semi-finals

The holders set up a last-four meeting with Kilmarnock after thrashing the Steelmen 4-0 at Fir Park.
Celtic's Reo Hatate celebrates scoring his side's third goal in the 4-0 win over Motherwell.Celtic's Reo Hatate celebrates scoring his side's third goal in the 4-0 win over Motherwell.
Celtic's Reo Hatate celebrates scoring his side's third goal in the 4-0 win over Motherwell.

Holders Celtic will face Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals after cruising past Motherwell at Fir Park, courtesy of Liel Abada’s double and further strikes from Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will return to Hampden on the weekend of January 14/15 as they close in on a SEVENTH League Cup triumph in nine seasons.

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The result was never in doubt as Celtic created a host of first-half chances before eventually finding the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time, with lead striker Kyogo striking the crossbar from distance and missing from six yards out in the early stages.

Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi scored his team's fourth goal of the match against Motherwell.Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi scored his team's fourth goal of the match against Motherwell.
Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi scored his team's fourth goal of the match against Motherwell.

Abada tapped home Greg Taylor’s cross from the left moments before the break, and then converted his eighth goal of the season by reacting quickest to side-foot past Liam Kelly into the bottom corner after the Motherwell keeper saved Juranovic’s initial effort.

The 21-year-old winger then turned provider for Reo Hatate after his delivery was collected by the Japanese midfielder, who shifted the ball neatly onto his right foot before firing into an empty net on the hour mark.

The lively Abada was at the heart of almost every attack as the visitors pressed forward in search of a fourth and it arrived on 76 minutes. Substitute Daizen Maeda slipped through the Israeli who watched his low shot cannon back off the post but the ball broke kindly for Kyogo to tap home from close range.

Here are GlasgowWorld’s player ratings...

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BENJAMIN SIEGRIST - 7 - Deputised for Joe Hart just like he did in the previous round of the competition in Dingwall. Was a virtual spectator but was relieved to see the unmarked Stuart McKinstry blaze over the top with the goal at his mercy. Produced a good diving save to get a strong hand to Penny’s low strike. Solid performance and a clean sheet.

JOSIP JURANOVIC - 7 - Full of energy and was rarely troubled throughout. A rare lapse of concentration almost proved costly but Siegrist managed to bail him out. Decent.

CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS - 8 - Another very strong display from the powerful US international up against the in-form Kevin Van Veen. Didn’t have a lot to do and is a calming presence at the back.

Giorgios Giakoumakis was one of the Celtic players manager Ange Postecoglou left out of his starting XI.Giorgios Giakoumakis was one of the Celtic players manager Ange Postecoglou left out of his starting XI.
Giorgios Giakoumakis was one of the Celtic players manager Ange Postecoglou left out of his starting XI.

MORITZ JENZ - 6 - The German had a few nervy moments in the first half and is often prone to period of slackness. His play going forward was good but needs to iron out those kind of mistakes.

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GREG TAYLOR - 8 - Drove up and down the left flank to great effect. Offered an attacking outlets and linked up well with Haksabanovic. Another top display. Looked refreshed after enjoying a rest in recent weeks. Set up Abada to stroke home.

MATT O’RILEY - 8 - Won the majority of his midfield battles in a No.6 role vacated by the injured McGregor and was always wiling to get stuck in. Linked the play well before being subbed.

AARON MOOY - 7 - An experienced head in the centre of the park. Unfortunate not to score as his driven effort was beaten away by Kelly. Looks to have built up some decent momentum and sharpness in recent weeks.

REO HATATE - 9 - Brilliant once again. Displayed a number of clever touches early on and helped pull the strings in midfield. Has outstanding energy levels and produced a superb piece of skill to get his goal.

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LIEL ABADA - 10 - Oustanding. Involved in almost everything positive in Celtic’s attacking play. Excellent movement to tp hom the opener and doubled his tally with another composed one-touch finish. Denied a hat-trick when he struck the post but Kyogo was on hand to round off the scoring.

SEAD HAKSABANOVIC - 7 - Has been nursing a minor ankle knock in recent games but was tidy in possession and sprung into life when he linked up with Taylor in the build up to Abada’s first goal. His levels dropped a bit in the second half.

KYOGO FURUHASHI - 7 - Looked a constant goal threat in the first-half but failed to convert two or three good chances and will feel he could easily have had a hat-trick. Got the goal his play merited with 15 minutes remaining which will give him plenty of confidence going forward.

Substitutes:

OLIVER ABILDGAARD - 4 - Dictated the play after replacing O’Riley just after the hour mark.

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DAIZEN MAEDA - 3 - Brought on for Hatate after 72 mins. Showed great desire in the build up to Celtic’s third goal.

JAMES McCARTHY - 2 - Replaced Mooy and slotted in seemlessly into midfield

GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS - 2 - Given a late 10-minute run out.

Joe Hart (GK), Yosuke Ideguchi, Alexandro Bernabei, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston

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