Five-star Celtic produced a sensational first-half goal blitz to dismantle Ross County at Parkhead and move five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers made six alterations to the side that started Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Club Brugge, but that only underlined the champions squad depth as each player drafted into the starting XI contributed to an emphatic success.
Centre-back Liam Scales kick-started the rout with an explosive header from Luke McCowan’s corner in at the near-post after just 10 minutes before the Republic of Ireland international turned provider with a well-weighted pass to set up the ex-Dundee midfielder to rifle in a deflected effort on the turn.
Paulo Bernardo swept home Daizen Maeda’s cut-back from close range at the second attempt to make it three before skipper Callum McGregor added a quickfire fourth by slamming home a 20-yard thunderbolt for his sixth league goal of the campaign.
County were extremely poor and they found themselves five down at the break when Alex Valle picked out Adam Idah on the edge of the box. The former Norwich City frontman displayed excellent footwork to take the ball away from a defender and curl beyond the outstretched keeper.
Celtic had further opportunities to add to the scoreline in the second half with Idah denied by the woodwork from a header and substitute Greg Taylor clipping the near post in the closing stages. The victory extended their unbeaten domestic run to 28 games, stretching back to March.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players at Parkhead.
5. Alex Valle - 7/10
Had some very positive moments and will feel he could've had his first Celtic goal after being denied by the keeper's outstretched boot in the second half when played clean through. Subbed. | SNS Group
6. Callum McGregor - 7/10
The skipper only seems to be scoring screamers this season, making it 4-0 in style from just outside the area. Subbed after an hour. | Getty Images
7. Luke McCowan - 9/10
Has given Rodgers food for thought after a top performance and is doing everything he can to force his way into the reckoning. Provided three assists including one from a corner which Scales headed home. Got on the scoresheet with a sublime first touch and finish to make it 2-0. Brought real creativity to Celtic's attacking play and deservedly named MOTM. Subbed. | SNS Group
8. Paulo Bernardo - 8/10
A classy operator who strolled through the game. Swept number three past the keeper at the second attempt after collecting Maeda's cut back. | SNS Group