Celtic player ratings vs St Mirren as two electric nines inspire eventual Scottish Cup demolition job

Celtic will meet former boss and club hero Neil Lennon in the Scottish Cup final, as they defeated St Mirren 6-2 at Hampden Park, to set up a clash against Dunfermline Athletic.

Daizen Maeda scored after a minute and Anthony Ralston added a second before half-time. Mikael Mandron got one back for the Buddies after half-time as they applied plenty of pressure on their opponents. Mandron got a second to send the game to extra-time but Kelechi Iheanacho’s double, Luke McCowan’s effort and Benjamin Nygren’s tap-in demolished the Buddies, booking a showpiece spot next month.

While Premiership title rivals Hearts and Rangers are win or bust when it comes to silverware needing to be through the league, if they fail in that quest, Celtic headed into semi-final weekend as heavy favourites for cup glory. That only increased when Championship side Dunfermline dumped Falkirk out on Saturday and a youth academy product handed them an early gift the following day.

Former Celtic goalkeeper Ryan Mullen botched a pass straight off Maeda that went beyond him into the net, and with number one Shamal George already out, the deputy was soon unable to continue. That meant 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius had to come in for St Mirren as Celtic pushed pressure forward.

They hadn’t really troubled him though until the young stopper could do nothing to stop Ralston’s fierce effort crashing off the bar and in. There had been moments of concern, however, as St Mirren almost pounced on a couple of loose Celtic moments at the back. Mandron’s power soon overwhelmed the Hoops rearguard as he halved the deficit to spark this game back into competitive life shortly after half-time.

Momentum shifted as Celtic approach looked to turn to one of holding what they’ve got against a side they laboured to a one goal win over a week previous. That proved futile as Mandron decked a couple defenders to send the game into an added 30 minutes. Iheanacho headed Celtic back in front after a brilliant James Forrest run, with the Nigerian international, Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan adding gloss to the scoreline in a devastating stint in the game sparking four goals. Focus now turns to the title race and their next game against Falkirk next week. Here’s how we rated the Celtic players.

Viljami Sinisalo - 6/10

Could do nothing about the goals. A great save to deny a first half strike and had to bail a poor Auston Trusty pass out of danger. Almost played a loose one himself but commanding outside that.

Anthony Ralston - 7/10

Great goal and seemed to grow in confidence from that. Declan John given freedom of right-hand-side to whip in cross for Mandron’s goal, however.

Auston Trusty - 4/10

A couple of ropey moments put defence under pressure. Then beaten as Mandron headed home. Looked unsettled without Liam Scales next to him.

Benjamin Arthur - 4/10

Had to be a bit quicker on the ball and physical threat of Saints was an issue. No major gaffes though until Mandron left him for dead at the worst moment.

Kieran Tierney - 5/10

Outmuscled at the Mandron goal. Physical opponents asked questions on ground and in the air. Attacking stuff fine but not total solid in a defensive sense.

Callum McGregor - 5/10

Couldn’t shut down John as the Buddies got one back. Game opened up and couldn’t get a grip on it, perhaps a consequence of his fitness situation. Subbed amid continued monitoring of that.

Arne Engels - 6/10

Another building back to fitness but passing was decent and looked to move play quickly. Booked.

Benjamin Nygren - 6/10

Goal threat is always there but general play lacking. Perhaps kept on in hope of popping up with a strike like he has done. Criticisms of overall contribution will again be present. Physical match-ups didn’t seem to suit him but gets the goal he often does.

Yang - 7/10

A livewire early on and assist for Ralston is lovely.

Daizen Maeda - 9/10

Best he’s looked in a long time. Pressure created the goal and pace was a real issue for Saints. Plays part in the sixth. Electric at times.

Plays part with a pass in build-up to second goal. Subbed after an hour with not much done outside that.

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