Celtic produced four goals to sweep aside a defensively vulnerable Falkirk and progress to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals.
The Bhoys were dominant in the first-half without a huge number of clear cut opportunities, but did go ahead via Daizen Maeda’s first goal of the season.
Callum McGregor clipped a ball towards Kieran Tierney, who headed a first time cross into the path of the stooping Maeda.
Alistair Johnston’s left-footed finish after poor play from Falkirk provided Celtic with breathing space in the second-half, before Dane Murray’s header put the Hoops 3-0 up after an hour.
Minutes later, Yang Hyun-jun forced Falkirk into scoring an own goal when he was only on the park for a matter of seconds as a substitute.
The Bairns pulled one back thanks to Keelan Adams’ brilliant strike, but Celtic were able to see out the comfortable 4-1 victory.
Here’s how 67 Hail Hail rated the Celtic players against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup second round.
Celtic player ratings vs Falkirk
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesViljami Sinisalo – 6
Tremendous save to deny former Celtic player Calvin Miller’s curling effort. Not a lot he could do for Keelan Adams’ terrific strike in the second period.
Alistair Johnston – 8
Played like you’d expect, with his trademark underlapping runs into the opponent’s box a continuous feature. Finished excellently with his left foot for Celtic’s second goal.
Dane Murray – 7
Hairy moment early on when he gave the ball straight to a Falkirk player, who then had a shot on goal. But redeemed himself massively with a headed goal from a corner.
Auston Trusty – 6
Falkirk managed to get in behind Trusty a couple of times without profiting. He’s yet to fully convince Celtic fans since his £6m switch last summer.
Kieran Tierney – 8
Played the game with a real intent and put in some dangerous crosses for Falkirk to defend. Deserved assist for Maeda’s header in the first-half.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
The usual from the captain. Always demanding the ball and keeping things ticking over in the centre of the park.
Arne Engels – 7
His quality from set-pieces all night was absolutely brilliant, and it was his corner that found the head of Murray for Celtic’s third goal.
Luke McCowan – 8
Knits the play so well in the middle of the park and always looks very composed.
James Forrest – 7
Lively as always and was fond of a deep cross or two into the box. Linked up very well with Johnston on the right wing.
Daizen Maeda – 7
Scored his first goal of the season with a stooping header that saw him in acres of space inside the box.
Johnny Kenny – 6
Had a great opportunity early in the game but blasted a first time strike wide. Did not get as many chances between the posts as he’d have liked.
Liam Scales (sub) – 5
Brought on to replace Tierney at left-back.
Yang Hyun-jun (sub) – 6
Made an instant impact after coming on as his cross was diverted into the net by Falkirk’s Liam Henderson.
Shin Yamada (sub) – 4
He’s very fast, that’s for sure. Did not do an awful lot else after coming on in the 63rd minute.
Benjamin Nygren (sub) – 4
Deployed on the right wing after Forrest was subbed off. Glides so well with the ball.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 4
The Portuguese midfielder got a shot away from outside the box that won his side a corner.