Detailed Celtic Player Ratings as Joe Hart is Hampden hero

Alistair Johnston – Always involved, the Canadian right-back looked to get forward at every opportunity. A tough task covering Duk a couple of times, he had the better of the former Benfica youngster in 1v1 battles. A solid partnership seems to be forming with the full-back and Kuhn ahead of him, with both linking up and understanding where the other should be. This continued into the second half, as Johnston continued to bomb forward without fail, regularly attempting a low ball into the box – not unlike the way Kieran Tierney used to do a few years back. A standout, capped off with a stunning assist to Matt O’Riley to provide what should have been the winner. Arguably Celtic’s player of the season in this calendar year, though he maybe should have done better for Aberdeen’s second equaliser. 8

Cameron Carter-Vickers – An uncharacteristic lapse of concentration from the colossal defender allowed Bojan Miovski in behind him, with the North Macedonia striker profiting in the form of an early goal for Aberdeen. He rallied and won a couple of important headers when required. That composure continued into the restart, as the defender stabilised and became a vital cog in the Celtic back-line. A HUGE block on the line to deny Aberdeen from scoring an equaliser, which underlined his continued importance to Celtic at the back. Colossal as always, after a shaky start. 8

Liam Scales – Drafted straight back in – in place of Maik Nawrocki – the defender had a shaky start - like his partner next to him - at Hampden. This was par for the course, as Aberdeen started the game brightly. Was extremely lucky not to give away a penalty on the stroke of half-time, as VAR judged the defender’s contact with the ball to be outside of the box. A big let-off for the former Aberdeen loanee. Had a better second half, as Celtic were on the attack far more often which meant he was defending less! Should have scored with a bullet header at the end, though his attack went over the bar. Was caught out twice with two headers that forced extra time and penalties. This is one experiment that needs to end. 5

Greg Taylor – A quiet first half from the left-back, as it seems that the action goes down Johnston and Kuhn’s side for Celtic when they are on the attack. Not helped by Yang’s ineffectiveness at anything positive today, Taylor’s options were limited, though he defended when called upon. Solid but unspectacular, a theme of this season for large parts from the Scotland international under Rodgers. 6

Callum McGregor – A big ask to start this semi-final coming back from his injury, the captain looked leggy in the first half, not helped by Aberdeen’s keenness to press him at every opportunity. Perhaps in the team for his leadership and experience rather than his fitness, he did improve as the half went on, with a surging run breaking the lines of the Aberdeen midfield. Lasted 60 minutes before being replaced by Tomoki Iwata, who was unfortunate not to start. 6

Reo Hatate – The better of the three starting midfielders in the game’s infancy, Hatate tried to make things happen in a positive sense and was constantly looking to turn goalside to cause Aberdeen problems. As the half went on, his influence waned, with number 41 looking leggy as a result. He looked to be finding his accuracy at the beginning of the restart, as a couple of cutting passes found their way to his teammates further forward. Was replaced by Paulo Bernardo after tiring late on, though his contributions were valued in the second half. 6

Matt O’Riley – A wasteful first 45 for the Denmark midfielder, who endeavoured to get involved but struggled to make any sort of positive impact. A player whom you expect so much from, he drifted in and out of the game and looked clumsy whenever in possession of the ball. Lasted the duration, but did not really do anything of any particular note – positively or negatively. That changed in extra time following 90 minutes, as he was in the right place at the right time to thunder home a big goal in extra time. Scored his penalty with ease. 7

Nicolas Kuhn – The turn of phrase ‘in the wars’ was penned for a player like Kuhn, as he was involved in absolutely everything in the opening half. A collision with an opponent left the German grounded with an apparent nose injury, though he did not let that deter him getting on the scoresheet just minutes later. Sniffing out an opportunity, Kuhn capitalised on Kelle Roos’ spill of Kyogo’s strike and side-footed home the equaliser. A bright spark throughout, he found joy whenever he linked up with his fellow right-sided teammate in Johnston. 7

Kyogo Furuhashi – One of Celtic’s only players to turn up in the first half, the Japan talisman got his reward, playing a big part in Kuhn’s equaliser. Picking Angus MacDonald’s pocket midway in his own half, Kyogo’s shot was blocked but made its way to Kuhn, who finished well. A couple of nice touches in the first 45, but nothing major in front of goal, with the striker playing more of a creative role than a target-man. 6

Yang Hyun-jun – Had the first chance of the afternoon for Celtic, which he should have done better with. With a free header, the South Korea winger’s connection went over the bar, a chance he should have got on target at the very least. He had a nightmare 45 minutes, as nothing he tried to execute came off for the former Gangwon FC player. Amazingly, he was not hooked at the break, and looked brighter at the start of the second half, as his attempt at goal was blocked by the opposition. Subbed after 60 minutes in place of the veteran James Forrest. 4

Subs

James Forrest – Replacing the largely ineffective Yang, the Celtic great lived up to his billing as he instantly went on the attack with purpose and direction. Not closed down by his opponents, the veteran clinically slotted the ball past Roos with accuracy, leaving the Dutchman with no chance of getting to it. Had another chance to add one more goal to his Hampden collection, though it was easily saved by the Dons’ goalkeeper. Though he won’t get the assist, he deserves it for the part he played in what should have been O’Riley’s winning goal in extra time. A mammoth showing from a player many had written off. 8

Tomoki Iwata – Coming on for the captain after 60 minutes, the midfielder would have no doubt felt a tad aggrieved that he did not start this game, especially on his current form. A calm customer, flashiness and style are not on the menu when number 24 is called upon, though his calmness and keenness to get on the ball have to be applauded. Provided a great chance for Idah, though maybe he should have gone for it himself given how that turned out. Scored his penalty with ease. 6

Adam Idah – A menace for many a defence since his arrival in January, Rodgers having firepower in the shape of the Ireland striker is a real bonus for his side’s chances, as his movement causes all sorts of bother for the opposition. Had a chance to kill the game at the end, though his off-balance shot was blocked by Rubezic. Dispatched his penalty well. 6

Luis Palma - Was brought on for Kuhn at the end of regulation time, and played a big role in allowing Aberdeen back into the game, thanks to giving away the ball in the middle of the park. He picked himself up and tried to make things happen, scoring his penalty with ease when called upon. Character from the winger, though he needs to work on his defensive game. 5

Paulo Bernardo – Replacing Hatate in the midfield late on in the second half, he would have a prolonged amount of time on the pitch due to Aberdeen forcing extra time. Put his body on the line on more than one occasion, and never hid. Scored his penalty well. 5

Maik Nawrocki - Came on late for Forrest, and made little impact for the three or so minutes he was on the field. 1