DORTMUND, GERMANY - OCTOBER 01: Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers during a UEFA Champions League matchday two League Phase match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic at the Signal Iduna Park, on October 01, 2024, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic extended their winning Scottish Premiership run with a 2-1 victory away to Ross County on Sunday.
The Staggies pushed ahead in the match after a first-half penalty conceded from Liam Scales’ handball was converted by in-form striker Ronan Hale.
That gave the home side something to hang on to in a resilient defensive performance that Celtic took until the 76th minute to break down.
Alistair Johnston was the first goal hero, diverting a Callum McGregor shot into the back of the net from close range after a corner.
Celtic piled on the pressure in search of a winner and were eventually rewarded when Nicolas Kuhn fired home in the 87th minute to deliver a big three points.
The match threatened to add pain to a difficult week after the Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund, but the team managed to dig deep and show why they are the champions.
Who were the team’s top performers? Here are our three picks, in no particular order, on a dramatic afternoon.
Nicolas Kuhn shows his Celtic worth vs Ross County
Nicolas Kuhn scored his sixth goal of the season, proving again that he more than deserves his place in the Celtic team.
The German – like the rest of the team – he had some sloppy moments throughout the match, but his effort that eventually secured the win was the only real burst of decisive quality in an otherwise stodgy and scrappy affair.
His pace was electric, and he had the composure to steady himself in the box to unleash a fierce effort past Ross Laidlaw.
He’s bailed his team out today. Dropping points would have been a blow, but Kuhn stepped up to take responsibility.
Alex Valle takes a chance to impress
The young Spanish left-back came into the team in place of the injured Greg Taylor and has done his chances of more football no harm at all.
He was a solid presence on the left flank, cool in possession and consistently trying to push the team forward to probe at Ross County.
Not only is he tidy on the ball but he proved his battling credentials in a physical match, too.
It wasn’t a perfect display; he is still fully establishing himself in the team, after all. However, on the day, he stood out as one of the team’s most consistent performers across the 90 minutes.
Luke McCowan added the spark Celtic needed
Credit must also go to a substitute. Luke McCowan came into the game on the hour mark with Celtic 1-0 down and was one of the key factors in reversing the deficit.
His creativity and intent added a big spark to Celtic’s attacking play as County tired, and he didn’t shy away from his duels either, winning four of five.
If he hadn’t been available to add something different to the team’s midfield play then today could have been far worse.
For my money, he’s earned a start in the team, and many fans will be looking forward to seeing what he can do as part of Rodgers’ first eleven.
