Top-class Gamboa, average Hendry – The best and the worst-rated Celtic players vs Partick Thistle

Celtic player ratings vs Partick Thistle: Who impressed and who did not?

Celtic advanced to the next round of the Betfred Cup after defeating Partick Thistle 3-1 on Saturday at Firhill.

Leigh Griffiths had fired the Hoops ahead in the first half after reaching on the end of Scott Sinclair’s cut-back. However, Partick Thistle equalized through Mutombo with 15 minutes left in the game.

But Brendan Rodgers’ men showed their quality to kill of their Championship rivals, with Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic scoring a quick-fire double.

Celtic player ratings

Scott Bain- 6/10

Bain had hardly anything to do besides collecting easy long balls. He got beaten at all ends during Partick Thistle’s equalizer.

Cristian Gamboa- 8/10

Gamboa created two wonderful goals after Celtic had somehow allowed the hosts back into the match. The Costa Rican was solid defensively and offered width going forward, making a strong claim for the right-back slot in the league.

Jack Hendry- 5/10

Hendry was sloppy in possession and took way too many touches, leading to Thistle’s equalizer.

Kristoffer Ajer- 6/10

Ajer was comparatively better than his central defensive partner, as he read the game well and made some important clearances in his own box.

Emilio Izaguirre- 7/10

Emilio Izaguirre made his first start since returning to Celtic and was fantastic at left-back. He showed great energy, bombing up and down the left flank and certainly must have delighted the manager with his overall performance.

Scott Brown- 6/10

Led from the front and shielded the defence quite well. Brown was lucky to avoid a nasty injury after Jack Storer caught his ankle with a flying challenge.

Olivier Ntcham- 6/10

Olivier Ntcham rattled the crossbar just before half-time. After Celtic’s second goal, he was replaced by McGregor.

Michael Johnston- 6/10

Johnston drove the Parkhead men forward and tested the hosts’ keeper with a close-range shot. The youngster came close to scoring but he should be satisfied with his overall performance.

Tom Rogic- 7/10

Starting in the No.10 role, Rogic was a constant menace for Thistle’s defenders. He tested the opposition goalkeeper with a long-range drive before the Australian saw his header saved. Rogic, however, had the last laugh as he swept the ball past Bell to clinch a quarter-final berth.

Scott Sinclair- 6/10

Scott Sinclair surged past Christie Elliott on the left-wing, leaving him for dead. His cut back to the penalty spot found Griffiths, who drove a low shot into the back of the net. Worked hard on the flanks and was always a threat on the ball.

Leigh Griffiths- 7/10

Griffiths showed his quality after he fired home from 10 yards out to give Celtic the lead for his first of the season and his 99th for the club.

Read more: Celtic completing a deal to sell this key first-team player could be a real loss for Brendan Rodgers

Substitutes

Callum McGregor- 5/10

Came in with 10 minutes left and picked up a booking.

James Forrest- 5/10

Forrest combined brilliantly with Gamboa with the latter assisting Celtic’s third.

Mousa Dembele- 6/10

He replaced Griffiths and used his knee to score Celtic’s second goal.