Sports
St Mirren vs Celtic player ratings and match highlights
Callum McGregor scored a stunner in the final seconds as Celtic escaped with all three points against St Mirren in Paisley.
The Hoops looked set to drop two points in their pursuit of league leaders Hearts at the Premiership summit.
But the skipper stood tall when it mattered most as he stepped up to the plate to fire an unstoppable effort beyond St Mirren No.1 Shamal George.
The Saturday night clash got the big TV billing, but it was a game shy of chances before McGregor had the last word under the lights.
Conor McMenamin had the two big chances in the game for the hosts, but he failed to connect with a stunning Declan John cross before later smacking the post in the first half.
Liam Scales did have the ball in his own net, but the goal was ruled out after the flag was raised with VAR having a lengthy check to confirm the decision.
George in the St Mirren goal was hardly tested yet had to pick the ball out the back of his net with 94-plus minutes on the clock after McGregor’s cracker.
It’s a busy return from the international break for Celtic, who travel to Feyenoord on Europa League duty on Thursday before facing Hibs next weekend.
But it will take a much improved performance from the champions on the road in Europe despite a winning return to domestic matters.
The Hoops will now watch on as table toppers Hearts travel to Aberdeen with the gap down to four points ahead of the clash at Pittodrie.
Here’s how GIVEMESPORT rated both sets of players in Paisley.
Match Highlights
St Mirren Player Ratings
GK: Shamal George – 6/10
Would have been expecting a much busier night. Hardly tested. No chance with the winner.
CB: Marcus Fraser – 6/10
Decent display from St Mirren skipper. Won his fair share of tackles. Booked early on.
CB: Alex Gogic 7/10
Constantly dishing out the instructions. Key player in this team. Big tackle on Maeda in the second half. Booked.
CB: Miguel Freckleton – 6/10
Solid as part of the back three for the home side. Defended well. Half a chance when the ball dropped but fired over.
RWB: Jayden Richardson 7/10
Got forward to support the attack when he could and dropped back to defend against Sebastian Toukenti. Did well. Subbed,
CM: Kilian Phillips 7/10
Worked hard. Big player for Stephen Robinson. Tireless shift. Made some key interventions.
CM: Conor McMenamin – 7/10
Missed golden chance early on. Then smacked the post from the edge of the area. So unlucky. Subbed.
CM: Keanu Baccus 6/10
Full of energy. Likes to get on the ball. Comfortable in possession. Subbed.
LWB: Declan John – 7/10
Left foot a real threat. McMenamin should have burst the net from his stunning ball. Loves to get up and down.
ST: Mikael Mandron – 6/10
Enjoys the physical battle and is always a handful.
ST: Dan Nlundulu 5/10
Didn’t have much in the way of chances. Subbed.
Sub: Jonah Ayunga 4/10
Sub: Fraser Taylor 3/10
Sub: Richard King 3/10
Sub: Liam Donnelly 1/10
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Celtic Player Ratings
GK: Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
First game since that Hampden match. Quiet evening in comparison. A couple of saves you’d expect him to make.
RB: Anthony Ralston – 5/10
Chance to make the position his own with Alistair Johnston out. Not his best game. Subbed,
CB: Auston Trusty – 6/10
Consistent run of games with Cameron Carter-Vickers out long-term. Did his job.
CB: Liam Scales – 6/10
A standard Liam Scales performance. Did what was needed. Had the ball in his own net but was ruled out.
LB: Kieran Tierney – 6/10
Scotland hero during the week and in from the start. Put in a shift on the left side. Subbed,
CM: Callum McGregor – 8/10
Quiet night by his own high standards until he scored a stunner in the final seconds. The captain stood up when it mattered and was the match-winner.
CM: Reo Hatate – 6/10
Has had better games and been more influential.
CM: Arne Engels – 6/10
In for Benjamin Nygren. Showed some energy but more expected from a man who cost a reported £11milion.Subbed.
RW: Daizen Maeda – 6/10
Has much more to offer. Shadow of the player who scooped all the awards last season. Got the second half up top and looked a bit brighter.
LW: Sebastian Tounekti – 7/10
Always wants to take on his opponent. A real threat. Continues to impress. The live wire in the side. Booked. Subbed.
ST: Johnny Kenny – 4/10
Had to feed off scraps. Lashed at an effort that went high and wide. Hooked at break.
Sub: Luke McCowan 5/10
Sub: Yang 4/10
Sub: Benjamin Nygren 4/10
Sub: Dane Murray 4/10
Sub: Colby Donovan 2/10
