Celtic V Hearts Ratings

"PA"

CELTIC

David Marshall: Preferred to fit-again Robert Douglas and took his crosses well but had little to trouble him apart from the Jambos’ goal. (7)

Jackie McNamara (captain): Steady if unspectacular as usual at right back, put in some crucial blocks and was always looking to support his front men. (8)

Joos Valgaeren: Surprise inclusion for Stephane Henchoz and had some erratic touches but never under too much pressure. (6)

Bobo Balde: Powerful stopper was never threatened in the air all afternoon but distribution and concentration remains questionable. (7)

Alan Thompson: Should have done better when he burst into the Hearts penalty area just after the break. (6)

Chris Sutton: Returned after a hamstring injury into a midfield berth but made his contribution immediately with his headed opener in the third minute. (8)

John Hartson: Put himself about and never gave defenders peace. Missed a good chance just before the interval and was substituted midway through the second half. (7)

Neil Lennon: Celtic’s iconic midfielder had a quiet but effective game in the middle of the pitch (6).

Stilian Petrov: Anonymous for most of the game, failing to get forward enough in support of his strikers (6).

Stanislav Varga: No nonsense defending, he coped well with the threat of Lee Miller on the ground and in the air (6)

Craig Bellamy: Looked a yard sharper than anyone on the pitch and deserved his goal just after the break for a terrific attacking display (9).

Substitute:

Aiden McGeady: The youngster replaced Hartson after 71 minutes but never really made an impact.(5)

HEARTS

Craig Gordon: Helpless for first goal but definitely at fault for the Hoops’ second. Made up for it with a crucial save from the Welshman later. (6)

Steven Pressley (captain): The veteran tried to inspire and organise his side with vocal leadership and some crunching challenges, particularly on Hartson. (7)

Andy Webster: Decent match but had a couple of moments of indecision which almost proved costly.(6)

Lee Miller: His effort was unquestionable in attack and tracking back but too often was forced wide or deep. (6)

Paul Hartley: Now one of the most confident players in the SPL and it showed in an impressive performance. (7)

Neil MacFarlane: Always a hard worker in midfield, did a good spoiling job for the Edinburgh side before he was replaced late on. (8)

Robbie Neilson: Had his work cut out with the pace and guile of Bellamy at times, he took a first half knock and was take off at the interval. (5).

Jamie McAllister: Moved from left midfield to right-back at half-time when Neilson came off but to often looked to play the long ball. (6)

Joe Hamill: Looked confident enough to take the ball in the early stages but faded out of the picture, replaced just before the hour mark (6)

Mark Burchill: Linked up well with his midfield but was starved of quality service. (7)

Lee Wallace: The gangly young full-back seemed nervous early on and lunged into tackles on several occasion when some composure was needed. Improved after the break. (6)

Substitutes:

Deividas Cesnauskis: Replaced Neilson at half-time and scored a wonderful volley to bring the Edinburgh side back into the game when they looked down and out.(8)

Marius Kizys: Came on for Hamill when Hearts were 2-0 down and was much more positive as the Edinburgh side pressed late on. (5)

Dennis Wyness: Replaced McFarlane at 2-1 down in the hope of grabbing an equaliser but made no impact.(5)

Taken from the Scotsman