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Celtic’s Europa League journey came to an end despite a resilient effort against Stuttgart.
Luke McCowan’s historic goal 30 seconds in gave some fresh optimism for Martin O’Neill’s side but, even with plenty of chances, they were unable to find the extra three goals required to complete a historic comeback.
Everyone was keen to see how Viljami Sinisalo would fare after he replaced Kasper Schmeichel in goal and 67 Hail Hail have rated his, and the rest of the Celtic team’s performance.
Celtic’s Europa League run comes to an end despite the win against Stuttgart 🥲
But who gets your man of the match from that spirited performance?
Celtic player ratingsViljami Sinisalo – 8
Was given his big chance and passed his audition with flying colours. Looked confident coming off his line, made some decent stops and rose to the occasion. He has shown enough to start against Rangers.
Colby Donovan – 6
Deputised in Julian Araujo’s absence and faced a difficult opponent in Jamie Leweling but rose to the occasion. More valuable experience for one of our own.
Dane Murray – 7
Eyebrows were raised about Dane Murray’s inclusion in the starting XI but credit where credit’s due, he was a rock at the back in the second half, putting his body on the line.
Auston Trusty – 6
Needed to redeem himself after another red card last weekend. He did that, and got the chance to play in his favoured role of the left-hand side of the back three.
Marcelo Saracchi – 6
Was solid at left-back but did look fatigued as the game went on and perhaps isn’t ready to last a full 90 minutes.
Callum McGregor (C)
It’s no coincidence that when Callum McGregor gets time on the ball, he is far more effective. Brought the ball down and begun the passage of play for the opener and made sure he was everywhere.
Reo Hatate – 6
He looked more interested than he has done in recent weeks and had a couple of nice moments.
Luke McCowan – 9 McCowan has often played out of position on the wing this season 🙃
It’s time he was given more of a chance in his natural role. Tell me if you agree ⏬
Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann
Turns out that playing someone in their natural position does work. Who knew? An eyecatching display from McCowan and he has done himself a decent chance of being included against Rangers.
Hyunjun Yang – 7
Looked lively out wide and played a role in the opening goal for the Bhoys. Was slightly quieter in the second half but he put in a good shift and can walk off knowing that he gave his all.
Junior Adamu – 7
Played a huge role in the opening goal and developed an unlikely partnership with McCowan and Yang upfront. A lot to like about his performance and his withdrawal may hint at a possible start on Sunday?
Daizen Maeda – 6
Made a couple of smart runs but never really tested the goalkeeper with any of his efforts. Sometimes it feels like he is just shooting aimlessly.
SubstitutesAnthony Ralston – 6
Did well when he came on. Can’t be blamed for the offside goal scored by Stuttgart when the fourth official allowed Ermedin Demirovic onto the pitch during an attacking phase of play.
Tomas Cvancara – 5
First touch needs a lot of work, it was very poor, but he was also dealing with scraps as the Hoops spent large parts of the second half defending.
Sebastian Tounekti – 5
Did nothing of note when he came on.
Benjamin Nygren – 5
Failed to make any sort of impact off the bench.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5
Limited to very little time on the ball.
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