Record Sport’s Ryan McDonald was at Parkhead last night to run the rule over Martin O’Neill’s men
04:30, 30 Jan 2026Updated 08:48, 30 Jan 2026
Celtic player ratings from 4-2 Europa League win over FC Utrecht
Celtic stormed into the Europa League knockout play-offs after burying FC Utrecht in a first-half goal blitz.
The Hoops came flying out of the traps as Ben Nygren, Dani de Wit (OG) and Arne Engels’ penalty blew the Eredivisie strugglers away after just 19 minutes.
The already eliminated Dutch visitors did threaten to stage a comeback as they pegged Celts back by two on either side of the break.
But Auston Trusty’s second-half header settled the nerves as Celtic bagged the three points they needed to book their place in the next phase.
Here, Record Sport runs the rule over Martin O’Neill’s side after a 4-2 win:
KASPER SCHMEICHEL: The big Dane has been caught static all season. Once again was like a mannequin after Dani de Wit pegged one back from range. But was at full stretch to tip Niklas Vesterlund’s goal-bound header round the post. Beaten down to his left by Adrian Blake’s 25-yard strike. 6
COLBY DONOVAN: Kid looks destined to have a big future at Celtic. Steady as ever in his eighth Euro appearance. Now ahead of Anthony Ralston in the pecking order and a more than able deputy for crocked Alistair Johnston. Has earned the trust of Martin O’Neill. 7
AUSTON TRUSTY: Towering American stopper scored a priceless goal last week in Bologna. And he popped up again with a second-half header to settle Celtic’s nerves last night. Also had a helping hand in burying Utrecht as his nodded effort flicked the wrist of Dani de Wit – leading to an early VAR penalty. 8
Auston Trusty scores(Image: SNS Group)
LIAM SCALES: No-nonsense Irishman clearly thrives in Martin O’Neill’s system. Won just about every ball that was lumped into the box. Distribution lets him down at times but made a crucial intervention to deny Dani de Wit in the dying minutes. Has formed a solid partnership with Trusty. 7
KIERAN TIERNEY: Bounced back from a Tynecastle injury scare. Assisted Celtic’s opener with a trademark cross. Rampaged up and down the flank all night. Inswinging corners caused Utrecht all sorts of problems. Back to his brilliant best. Standing ovation as he was replaced by Dane Murray in stoppage-time. 9
CALLUM MCGREGOR: Skipper was quietly efficient in the middle of the park. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Stuck his foot in when needed and tried to drive Celtic forward. Will need to save his energy for the crucial run-in. 7
ARNE ENGELS: Emphatically put the game out of sight with a powerful penalty leaving Barkas with no chance. Booked for catching Miguel Rodriguez late. Pinpoint corner picked out Trusty for Celtic’s fourth. Belgian still looks lumbersome at times though – and that’s what frustrates fans. Replaced by Bernardo. 7
BENJAMIN NYGREN: Netted his 14th goal of the season with a tap-in inside five minutes. Then pounced on a sloppy pass from hapless Barkas to make it 2-0 after his square ball for Maeda was turned in by Nick Viergrever. Denied a second from close range as Barkas diverted post-stamp effort over. Swede was a constant goal threat and a bargain at £1.7m. 9
HYUN-JUN YANG: Tireless South Korean winger has made drastic improvements under O’Neill and is gradually winning punters over. Puts in a power of defensive work but was quiet attacking-wise. Copped a first-half booking for clattering Derry Murkin in an aerial duel. Off for Luke McCowan. 7
DAIZEN MAEDA: Lightning-quick hitman constantly whizzed behind Utrecht’s backline. Left them bamboozled at times but couldn’t get on the scoresheet. Cynics might say the Japanese Duracell Bunny saves his best performances for the European stage. Subbed for Kelechi Iheanacho. 7
SEBASTIAN TOUNEKTI: Jury remains out on £5m Tunisian. Fired an effort well over the bar after pulsating build-up play. Caught out of position as Utrecht reduced the deficit before the break. Needs to bolster his numbers if he’s to become a permanent solution on the wing. Hooked for James Forrest. 6
SUBS:
JAMES FORREST (Tounekti, 68): Veteran winger used his experience to help Celts see out the game. 3
KELECHI IHEANACHO (Maeda, 68): Nigerian made his injury comeback after six weeks out but understandably looked rusty. 3
PAULO BERNARDO (Engels, 78): Portuguese outcast has been linked with a loan exit but was given a late cameo. 2
LUKE McCOWAN (Yang, 78): Thrown on at right wing for the final 10 minutes. 2
DANE MURRAY (Tierney, 90 ): Academy kid was subbed on for last few seconds. 1
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