Celtic player ratings vs Kilmarnock as stats experts rank heroes and villains of much-needed Premiership win

Celtic got back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership with a 1-0 victory at home to Kilmarnock.

The Hoops broke their Europa League duck in midweek with a 3-2 win over Besiktas - and were now also able to prevent their winless domestic run extending to three games. Martin O’Neill’s side now go into the international break with some momentum, four points ahead of second-placed Rangers in the league.

Other than an early scare after 37 seconds, when goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was forced into a double save, Kilmarnock struggled to lay a glove on the champions, who took the lead in the first half through defender Liam Scales. During the second 45, the one-way traffic continued as midfielder Benjamin Nygren missed a penalty.

Celtic striker Kasper Hogh hasn’t scored since the reverse fixture against Kilmarnock in August and thought he’d broke his personal duck in this one after 13 minutes - but the goal was chalked off by VAR for a foul in the build-up by midfielder Mika Baur. The German also had a goal chopped off himself in the second half for offside.

The one-goal cushion provided some late nerves for the Parkhead faithful but in the end they were good value for their three points. Stats experts WhoScored cast their eye over this one to decide who the best and worst for Celtic. Here’s the ratings that were provided:

Sam Johnstone - 7.6/10

Perhaps called upon earlier than he’d have liked. Pulled off a fantastic double save after just 37 seconds. A much-needed first clean sheet for the Wolves loanee.

Colby Donovan - 6.8/10

Rested in midweek and you could tell. Up and down the right hand side like a yo-yo all afternoon. Another assured display from the youngster. Inches from getting his goal in the second half.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7.3/10

Vintage performance from the American, who barely broke sweat despite being up against physical Killie striker Tyreece John-Jules.

Liam Scales - 8.3/10

Becoming a huge threat from attacking set pieces lately if nothing else. Looping headed goal was unconventional but they all count.

Kieran Tierney - 7.0/10

Like Donovan, constantly up and down his flank. Provided a lot of help for Jota on the left hand side.

Callum McGregor - 7.1/10

Got caught in a few minds in the second half when he dribbled the ball into the path of the Kilmarnock goalkeeper after a mazy run. Overall, a strong display from the captain.

Mika Baur - 6.9/10

Had the ball in the net in the second half but was flagged instantly for offside. Not for the first time this season, his forward runs caused problems. Went off injured towards the death.

Benjamin Nygren - 6.0/10

Missed penalty marked him down but he was still involved regularly and was unlucky not to register an assist for Hogh’s disallowed goal.

Camilo Duran - 7.5/10

Well-weighted cross for Scales’ header. He was at the heart of every attack and was unlucky not to score himself after his Thursday night heroics.

Jota - 6.5/10

Hooked for Yang at half time but some more valuable minutes in the belt. Went himself at one point in the first half when perhaps Hogh was the better option.

Kasper Hogh - 6.6/10

The noise from the crowd before his goal was chalked off showed how much everyone is rooting for him. Wasn’t to be on the day but certainly more promising signs. Cursing his luck that Celtic were awarded a penalty soon after he was subbed.

Used substitutes: Yang Hyun-jun, James Forrest, Luke McCowan, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dane Murray.