Falkirk 1-3 Celtic: Player Ratings
Celtic ran out winners by three goals to one in the second Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final of the weekend. Alan Potts was at Hampden and ran the rule over the players on show.
FALKIRK
1 Michael McGovern – 6 – The ex-Ross County keeper was looking to repeat his 2010 victory over the Hoops but it wasn’t to be. Could do little about the Hoops goals.
2 Kieran Duffie – 7 – A superb shift from the right back who looked to get forward as much as possible. Kept Ledley quiet for the game and can be delighted with his showing.
3 Thomas Scobbie – 7 – Had the difficult task of keeping the in-form Forrest quiet and the defender stuck well to his task. Tried to support the attacks and can be pleased with his performance.
4 Darren Dods – 6 – The experienced centre-half had his work cut out for him dealing with the Hoops strike force. Will be disappointed to have given away a spot kick with his side still in the game. Booked.
5 Murray Wallace – 7 – Strong performance from the centre half and did well to keep Hooper quiet. One slip with eight minutes to go allowed the Englishman to slip in Stokes to kill the game.
6 Stewart Murdoch – 7 – Quiet but effective from the midfielder. Nothing fancy, just a hard working solid display.
7 David Weatherston - 7 – Gave Cha all sorts of problems in the first half and was instrumental in the Bairns goal. Solid display from the winger.
8 Mark Millar – 8 – Willing worker for his side as along with Murdoch looked to dominate the engine room. Some delightful passes as he tried to drag the first division side back into the game.
9 Farid El Alagui – 6 – The 22 goal hitman had the thankless task of being the lone frontman against one of the meanest rear-guards in the country. Tried to put himself about but gave away the foul which put the Hoops back in charge.
10 Kallum Higginbotham – 9 – The Bairns star man as he put in a committed performance. His through ball created the equaliser and manager Pressley may well have some managers calling about the playmakers availability after this game.
11 Jay Fulton -6 – Tremendous finish as he dragged the first division side back into the match but wasted an excellent opportunity at the beginning of the second half. Replaced after an hour.
Subs:
12 Rhys Bennett
14 Blair Alston – 4 – On for Fulton. Should have done better with a chance in the second half.
15 Craig Sibbald – 1 – On at the death for the injured Higginbotham
16 Jordan White -2 – On for the tiring Weatherston just after the Hoops killed off the tie.
17 Graham Bowman (GK)
CELTIC
1 Fraser Forster – 6 – Little to do for the giant stopper and was left hopeless exposed for the Bairns goal. Superb double save with 12 minutes remaining kept the Hoops ahead.
11 Cha Du Ri – 5 – Not the best of days for the right back as he struggled at times with Weatherston. With Matthews replacing the defender after 67 minutes he will need to improve to hold down a place.
25 Thomas Rogne -5 – Missed two glorious chances to kill the tie but couldn’t take either. Rarely troubled defensively.
21 Charlie Mulgrew – 6 – Another solid display by the centre half and you wonder what the boy has to do to get a call up for his country.
3 Emilio Izaguirre - 5 – Struggled during his 45 minute appearance. Tried to attack down the left as much as possible but was posted missing for the Bairns goal.
49 James Forrest – 6 – Wasn’t the best afternoon for the winger and failed to have a major impact on proceedings. Should have put the SPL leaders back in front just before half time but wasted his chance.
8 Scott Brown – 8 – A captain’s performance from the Hoops skipper as he stepped up to set Neil Lennon’s men on their way. Terrific display in front of Scotland boss Craig Levein.
67 Victor Wanyama – 5 – His slack pass helped the Bairns grab a goal before switching to centre half for the second 45. Rarely troubled in the second half as the first division side tired.
16 Joe Ledley – 7 – His usual performance, nothing flashy just business. Certainly not a left winger but does what his manager asks for and does it well.
88 Gary Hooper - 5- A day to forget for the striker. Struggled to get going and was well marshalled by the Bairns defence.
10 Anthony Stokes - 9 – Superb and the Hoops star man. Wonderful free kick from the Irishman and was involved in the Hoops best moves. Continued his good form as he grabbed a second late on. Replaced by Commons with five minutes remaining.
Subs:
2 Adam Matthews - 4 – Replaced Cha and looked to support Forrest.
9 Georgios Samaras
15 Kris Commons – 2- On for Stokes late on.
18 Ki Sung Yueng - 5 - Replaced Izaguirre at half time as Lennon shuffled his pack.
Lukasz Zaluska (Gk)
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