Full Time: Celtic 0-0 Kilmarnock
Celtic were held to a goalless draw by Kilmarnock in their penultimate game of the 2017/18 Scottish Premiership season at the Parkhead on Wednesday night.
The champions dominated the possession but could never really muster up a serious threat apart from one Jozo Simunovic effort that ended up in the net but was ruled out due to a teammate being in an offside position.
The visitors were extremely disciplined and dogged at the back and Brendan Rodgers’ side couldn’t find a way through their defiant rearguard, although Stuart Armstrong did come close in the second period. Jack Hendry missed a golden opportunity to score and as a result, the Hoops came away with just a point from the game.
Celtic Player Ratings
Scott Bain – 6/10
The on-loan goalkeeper had very little to do between the sticks, with the Killies hardly posing any sort of threat. Showed nifty footwork and made good use of the ball from the back.
Jack Hendry – 6/10
Started out positively at right-back, making darting runs forward but did not always have the desired effect. Had a great chance to win the game for his side late in the second half but headed off-target.
Jozo Simunovic – 6.5/10
Starting the game ahead of Dedryck Boyata, the Bosnian enjoyed a decent outing, with the visitors offering little attacking threat. Was unlucky to see a first-half goal ruled out for offside.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6/10
A fairly straightforward game for the Norwegian who did not have a whole lot to do at the back. Was in an offside position, which led to Simunovic’s header getting ruled out.
Calvin Miller – 6/10
Another player who was off to a sprightly start, Miller showed good attacking intent down the left-hand side. However, he failed to make a mark and was replaced in the second period by Kieran Tierney.
Scott Brown – 6/10
Did his duties with due diligence in the middle of the park, winning his battles and recycling possession without much of a fuss.
Stuart Armstrong – 5/10
Returning to the starting line-up after an injury, the Scottish international showed some good touches and nice passes but couldn’t really unlock the Killies backline. He had an effort saved in the second period and was subbed off after a dour display.
Callum McGregor – 6/10
Burst into life after a quiet start and was pulling the strings in the final third towards the end of the first period, creating a few chances for his teammates. However, his influence faded away.
James Forrest – 5/10
Another player who started off very slowly, the Scottish winger did get into the game gradually. Should have done better with a headed effort that he sent over the bar. Other than that, it was a quiet outing for him.
Patrick Roberts – 4/10
Handed a start in a false-9 role, the on-loan Manchester City winger hardly looked comfortable in an unfamiliar position. As a result, he did not have much of an impact on the game.
Scott Sinclair – 5/10
The Englishman showed up in small bursts but was hardly influential in the attack. Had a shot drift just wide and set Armstrong up for his big chance. However, he did little of note apart from that.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic – 5.5/10
Replaced Armstrong in the 66th minute and tried to liven things up but to no avail.
Kieran Tierney – 6/10
On for Miller in the 67th minute, the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award winner added more purpose down the left-hand side but ultimately failed to get his team over the line.
Ewan Henderson – N/A
Made his senior debut, coming on for Roberts with less than ten minutes to play.