Exclusive: Celtic stance on sacking Brendan Rodgers revealed just now…

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Celtic went three points and 11 points clear of Aberdeen and Rangers respectively as a brilliant second-half performance downed Hearts at Tynecastle.

 

The Bhoys struggled to get going right from the off with much of their play slow and predictable. Callum McGregor wasn’t quite his influential self and Nicolas Kuhn probably did more defending than attacking early on.

Called into action very early on with Blair Spittal and James Penrice making him work. Never looked in massive trouble second-half but did stop Cammy Devlin from scoring.

 

Alistair Johnston – 6

James Penrice got in behind the Canadian plenty of times in the first-half. Subbed off for Anthony Ralston after around 70 minutes.

 

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7

His presence makes such a difference at the back for Celtic. Made a great block to deny an Alan Forrest goal-bound effort. Never looks fazed.

 

Auston Trusty – 8

Such a dependable defender who is looking well worth the £6m paid for him by the week. Kept Lawrence Shankland and Alan Forrest quiet.

 

Greg Taylor – 6

Hearts looked threatening down Taylor’s side with Forrest and Oyegoke combining well, so he had work to do. But his attacking work was intelligent as ever and gave Hearts plenty to think about when coming inside and making runs in behind.

 

Callum McGregor (C) – 6

Wasn’t as influential as he usually is with Hearts holding a sold defensive shape that was hard to break down at times. Better in second-half.

 

Reo Hatate – 7

Not quite at his best in the first-half with a few misplaced passes and crosses. Improved hugely after the break, however, and made Celtic tick with his creativity.

 

Arne Engels – 5

Yet to prove his hefty £11m price tag was worth the money. Certainly has a fantastic cross in him but doesn’t show near enough quality.

Daizen Maeda – 6

All over the pitch as usual but as Chris Sutton described live on Sky Sports, he was rather ‘clunky’ when on the ball and Daniel Oyegoke was certainly a match for the Japanese winger. Assisted Kuhn for his goal.

 

Nicolas Kuhn – 7

The German showed flashes of quality in the first-half but didn’t get too many opportunities to run at his full-back. James Penrice gave him plenty to think about defensively. Scored with a stunning finish for Celtic’s second as he continued his incredible scoring run.