Joe Hart – The veteran goalkeeper before this game will have been hoping to have a quieter match than the one he played in the last time he visited Livingston. Sent off after 20 minutes in that encounter, the same would thankfully not happen this time around. A quiet first half for the experienced Hart, who dealt with everything that came his way. After an even quieter restart, the goalkeeper picked up his first clean sheet in a good while. Sunday seemed to be a day of rest for Celtic’s number one. 6

Alistair Johnston – One of the in-form players for Celtic at the moment, the Canada international was again a positive in today’s proceedings. Stationed alongside Nicolas Kuhn on the right flank, the right-back was a constant threat for the visitors when he ventured forward, though his final ball was iffy on the day. Positive and keen, Johnston was a constant thorn in the side of his opposing marker, which bodes well for the rest of the season. 7

Cameron Carter-Vickers – What more is there to say about the imposing defender that has not already been said? A colossus for the club, virtually nothing gets past the American, who strolls games at this level. So much so, that he began to make forward runs in the second half, an indication of his superior level of ability in this league. Another walk in the (plastic) park for a player who means so much to the club. Dominant. 7

Liam Scales – An eventful beginning to the game for the Irishman, who had some early defending to do against David Martindale’s side. After losing the 50-50, he did well to intercept the half-chance before it amounted to something more dangerous. Even still, the home side continued to target the defender, with Tete Yengi constantly looking to outmuscle him whenever the ball came his way – which was rare. He stabilised after the restart, with nothing passing him in an attacking sense. A good recovery. 6

Greg Taylor – a quiet game for the left-back, who was outshone by his opposite full-back in Johnston in an attacking sense. Still, he was solid whenever he was called into action in a defensive sense, as little as that occurred. It is a position that Celtic will look to strengthen in the summer, but Taylor has hit a solid level of form at the right possible time. His continued consistency will be vital in the title run-in. Steady. 6

Tomoki Iwata – Deployed in the number six position due to the continued absence of captain Callum McGregor, Iwata was a cool customer in the centre of midfield for Celtic. A couple of nice turns in the first half got him into some good areas, with more advanced players benefitting from his calm and steady playstyle when in possession. Some timely interceptions from the impressive defensive midfielder were lapped up by those in attendance, with the middle man always seeming to be in the right place at the right time. A late contender for player of the match, especially with him lasting the duration of the game. Solid, as expected. 8

Reo Hatate – What a sight it was to see the Japan midfielder back in the fold after his latest lay-off. A bright start was made by Hatate, too, as his shot just outside of the penalty area went agonisingly wide of the Livingston goal. Industrious, confident and not afraid to take risks, Celtic’s number 41 was by far the best player on the park in the first 45 minutes. Though he was only on the park for 65 minutes, his impact was telling, taking the shot that inadvertently led to Celtic’s opening through the deflection off of Jamie Brandon into the back of his own net. He was replaced by Paulo Bernardo, gaining a standing ovation from three stands of the Tony Macaroni. He could be the difference-maker this season if he keeps up like this. 8

Matt O’Riley – Steady in possession of the ball, the Denmark international did struggle to get going, though he may have taken a slight back-seat for Hatate to dictate the tempo. Admittedly, his level did improve in the second half, with the midfielder offered more space as the home side started to tire. He scored a tap-in on the 83rd minute, which put to bed any doubts about where the points were going to end up at the final whistle. Capable of more, but a steady showing from Celtic’s number 33. 7

Nicolas Kuhn – The German winger started this match well, almost profiting from a Carter-Vickers diagonal ball. Preferred ahead of Yang Hyun-jun – who was carrying a knock from international duty – Kuhn looked dangerous and direct, a player who clearly loves to take his man on at every available opportunity. He played a massive part in the opening goal, intercepting the ball from his marker before working it into the box. He won’t pick up an assist, though it was every bit as good as one from the bright winger. Arguably the standout player, Kuhn guaranteed his Ibrox starting berth with another standout showing, his third in as many games. Very promising. 8

Kyogo Furuhashi – A relatively quiet first-half for the potent striker, he was involved in the one big flashpoint of the opening 45 minutes, as he found himself challenged in the box by Livingston captain Devlin. Quite inexplicably, the referee and VAR failed to spot a clear foul in the box, as the defender made contact with the striker who was on the turn. He then forced a good save at the end of the half from Shamal George, who stopped the forward from scoring three goals in as many games. After an unnoteworthy start to second half proceedings, he was replaced by Adam Idah after 70 minutes. 6

Daizen Maeda – After scoring the last time he visited this ground; the winger would have been keen to make it two in two at the Tony Macaroni Arena. You take the rough with the smooth concerning Maeda, as his movement was good, though the same could not be said at times with his final ball. A rash individual when in control of the football, every pass and action is an adventure when the Japan stalwart is in possession. A mixed afternoon, though his determination and drive can never be questioned. 6

Subs:

Paulo Bernardo – Made an instant impact when replacing Hatate, as one of his first touches was an unstoppable drive from just outside of the box. George had no chance in the Livingston net, with Bernardo taking his chance from the bench with vigour and excellence. 6

Adam Idah – Replaced Kyogo, though the Irish striker did little to impact proceedings on the day. 3

Yang Hyun-jun – Difficult to better Kuhn’s efforts – the man he replaced – Yang struggled to make any telling impact, though the game was over as a contest. 3

James Forrest – Replaced Maeda right at the end. Nothing of note from the veteran. 2

Daniel Kelly – Came on at the death, with another appearance to add to his growing list of turnouts. 2