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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Craig Swan

Celtic player ratings as Giakoumakis announces Champions League arrival but it's too late for Euro hopes

It was another frustrating Champions League night for Celtic as a frenetic draw with Shakhtar Donetsk brought their hopes of European football after Christmas to an end.

Ange Postecoglou 's team started on the front foot and few could argue they didn't deserve it when Giorgos Giakoumakis hammered in the opener on 35 minutes. He needed a bit of luck for the ball to break for him but his clinical finish into the bottom corner justified Postecoglou's decision to start him alongside Kyogo.

A win would have kept them in with a fighting chance of finishing third and they looked good value for that for long stages. But it was that man Mykhaylo Mudryk who struck again with a stunner on the break to dampen the fervent Parkhead atmosphere. Danylo Sikan then came up with one of the worst misses of the season and Giakoumakis could have won it at the other end, but it was ultimately a draw that does little for Celtic and leaves them with a final day dead rubber at the Bernabeu.

Giakoumakis celebrates his goal (REUTERS)

Here's how the players rated.

Celtic player ratings

JOE HART - Keeper made a superb one-on-one save to deny Mudryk in the first half. No chance with the winger’s lethal second-half strike. 7.

JOSIP JURANOVIC - Right back again had the job of supporting the front play and keeping an eye on the flying Mudryk. Couldn’t stop him at equaliser. 6.

CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS - American international made his share of sharp interventions and passed it sensibly. Left for dead by Mudryk at Sikan sitter. 6.

MORITZ JENZ - German defender had to be on his mettle against Traore and then the differing challenge of Sikan. Good late block to deny the sub. 6.

GREG TAYLOR - Strong covering to thwart Mudryk in early stages and always willing to make breaks into offensive areas. 7.

MATT O’RILEY - Anchored midfield and not scored to have a crack at goal with three attempts in the opening period. Another shot saved near the end and half volley just wide. 7.

REO HATATE - Japanese tried to exert more of an influence as the contest surged on. Some nice touches but a wrong choice led to Shakhtar leveller and faded. 6.

KYOGO FURUHASHI - Started in a deeper role with Giakoumakis the central striker and looked at times to be caught between two roles. Missed a huge chance. 5.

LIEL ABADA - Tasked with supporting from the right-hand side and a typical surge into the six-yard box led to Giakoumakis goal. Kept working until Forrest took over. 5.

GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS - Greek striker was in the mood and razor sharp to crack the opener from close range. Tested Trubin from 25 yards. 7.

SEAD HAKSABANOVIC - Held a position down the left and his intelligent run and cross led to the Giakoumakis strike. Always available until replaced. 6.

Subs

DAIZEN MAEDA - Japanese provided running power on the left. 3.

AARON MOOY - Saw plenty of the ball and was a good introduction. 3.

JAMES FORREST - Winger managed to get at his full-back and deliver a couple of balls. 3.

DAVID TURNBULL - Last six minutes on return from injury. 1.

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