CELTIC will go into their fourth meeting of the season with Rangers at Parkhead next Saturday holding a nine point lead over their Ibrox rivals in the cinch Premiership after returning to action with a 2-0 win over Ross County in Dingwall today.
An encounter with relegation-threatened County up in Dingwall was potentially problematic for the visitors. The defending champions had not played together competitively for 15 days due to the international break and were missing several key men to injury.
Ange Postecoglou’s charges were certainly made to work for their victory by Malky Mackay’s men. The only edged ahead in added-on time at the end of the first-half when they were awarded a penalty after a VAR check. Jota made no mistake from 12 yards.
Kyogo Furuhashi, substitute Hyeong-gyu Oh and Jota all had opportunities to wrap up a 15th consecutive domestic triumph in the second-half and failed to take them.
It was a little bit more nerve-wracking for the travelling supporters in the 6,619-strong crowd than it needed to be.
But Alexandro Bernabei, who had replaced Greg Taylor in the second, rifled in a screamer in the fifth minute of injury-time to open his account for Celtic and wrap up three hard-fought but deserved points.
Here are five things we learned as the top flight leaders took another small step towards retaining their Scottish title.
VAR SPOT ON
There was bewilderment around the ground when proceedings were halted just before half-time as VAR official Steven Kirkland reviewed a Matt O’Riley corner into the County area back in Clydesdale House in Glasgow.
And there was incredulity from the home supporters when referee Willie Collum awarded a spot kick to Celtic after having a look at an incident on the pitchside monitor.
However, the hosts could have few complaints about the ruling. The ball clearly struck the outstretched arm of their captain Alex Iacovitti when it came in. Cameron Carter-Vickers had certainly claimed for it immediately.
The new technology has won few admirers since being introduced in this country back in October. There have even been calls for it to be scrapped in some quarters of late. But it enabled Collum to get a crucial call correct this afternoon.
GUTSY COUNTY
With bottom-placed Dundee United losing 2-0 to Rangers at Ibrox yesterday, County were in no danger of dropping to the foot of the table this afternoon.
Still, the Highlanders were, after four losses in their previous five outings, eager to give their survival hopes a timely boost with a result, even a draw, against their Glasgow opponents. It was not to be. But they certainly gave a decent account of themselves.
County contained Celtic well. Furuhashi hooked wide, Daizen Maeda tested Ross Laidlaw and Jota fired over twice. But the first time they looked in danger of falling behind was three minute before half-time when Taylor cut inside and hit the post with a long-range attempt.
If County can a cutting edge in the final third it will do their cause no harm in their remaining eight matches.
TOMOKI DOKI
The continued absence of Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy saw Tomoki Iwata handed his first Celtic start by Postecoglou.
The Japanese defensive midfielder, who joined the Scottish champions on loan from Yokohama F Marinos back in December, had made seven substitute appearances before today and impressed onlookers with his displays. He had certainly done his bit in the Viaplay Cup final triumph over Rangers at Hampden in February.
But how would the four-times capped internationalist fare from kick-off? He slotted in alongside his skipper Callum McGregor in the middle of the park and just behind playmaker O’Riley and performed with assurance. He was cool under pressure and distribute the ball well.
Both Hatate and Mooy should be back for the Rangers game. But they have a more than capable understudy if they fail to recover from their knocks in time. Iwata’s showing underlined that Postecoglou has the strength in depth he needs in every position to deal with a demanding fixture list.
TAYLOR BLOW
Taylor was omitted from the Scotland squad for the Euro 2024 double header against Cyprus and Spain last month to allow him to recover from the minor injury he had been struggling with.
The rest clearly did the left back the world of good. He struck the post and tested Laidlaw with shots from his weaker right foot in the opening 45 minutes.
The former Kilmarnock man limped off injured in the second-half and was replaced by Bernabei. The Argentinian defender wrapped up the triumph at the death in fine style.
However, Postecoglou will be hoping the man who has been one of his most consistent performers this term will be available to face Rangers next weekend.
TEENAGE KICKS
Mackay handed a first start to promising young centre half Dylan Smith, who is just 16, and gave the kid the unenviable task of man marking Furuhashi.
Mackay decided against farming Smith out to a Highland League club at the start of the season because he felt the Scotland Under-17 internationalist was good enough to feature for his first team.
He has been proved correct. He came on for his debut against Rangers at Ibrox in August and had made a further four substitute appearances before today.
The Inverness-born defender, who was given the nod ahead of County club captain Keith Watson, was well placed the clear a McGregor delivery into his area early on. He by no means looked out of his depth thereafter.
Smith allowed Maeda to skip past him in the second-half and was lucky that Furuhashi fired wide after being supplied by his team mate. But he clearly has a bright future ahead of him.
