(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Jack Heath

Sun 3 August 2025 19:47, UK

Celtic have begun their title defence with a nervy victory over St Mirren with some outstanding and underwhelming performances.

Gogic immense, 8/10 impresses - St Mirren player ratings v Celtic	Idah flops, 8/10 saves the day: Celtic player ratings v St Mirren	'Celtic inadequacy laid bare after uncomfortable St. Mirren victory'

Brendan Rodgers‘ side pulled through in what was a tense game at Celtic Park to begin their title defence on a high note.

The Hoops dominated proceedings but struggled to leave a mark on Shamal George who had a busy day at the office for Mirren.

Captain Callum McGregor thought he put his side ahead in the 69th minute, but his effort was later ruled out for a harsh handball.

The winning moment came moments from stoppage-time as substitute Luke McCowan came up with the goods to smack the ball home from outside the box.

But, who were the Bhoys’ finer performers and who had a match they wish they could erase from their memories?

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After eight seasons away from his boyhood club, something felt right about seeing Tierney back in a Celtic shirt.

The ex-Arsenal defender could only manage 65 minutes due to injury, but he impressed on his return to home.

The Scot created one big chance and delivered one key pass as him and Daizen Maeda linked up nicely down the left-hand side.

As has always been the case, injuries are an issue which he’ll hope to overcome but, if managed correctly, the former Real Sociedad left-back could be set to have an inspiring season.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Johnston was simply sensational up-and-down the wing.

He delivered four key passes going forward which aided the Hoops’ attacking impetus which was slow at the start of the game.

Alistair Johnston v St MirrenKey passes4Ground duels (won)4 (4)Clearances6Interceptions1Tackles3Johnston was a machine against St Mirren (Source: Sofascore)

The Canadian thrived in particular in defence, registering six clearances, three tackles and winning all four of his ground duels.

Yang Hyun-Jun was ineffective down the right, but Johnston ensured that there was at least some degree of creative class coming from his side.

Defenders shone in an underwhelming performance for Celtic today as Scales provided a rock-solid base to the Glaswegian team.

The Irishman was sumptuous at the back with a 92% passing accuracy which included one key pass and a big chance created.

Liam Scales v St MirrenTouches122Passing accuracy %92%Key passes1Big chances created1Crosses (accurate)2 (1)Long balls (accurate)2 (1)Scales was creative from the back (Source: Sofascore)

Defensively, he was resolute with his partnership alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers much appreciated by Kasper Schmeichel, who only had to make two saves.

With seven clearances, two tackles and stopping opponents dribble past him, the ex-Aberdeen centre-back was defensively astute.

Idah struggled in front of goal for Celtic (Credit: Getty)

In his second season for the club, the Irishman will want to make the striker role his own and fight off competition from all angles.

However, his performance suggested otherwise as the ex-Norwich forward was wasteful in front of goal.

The 24-year-old hit the woodwork once as he missed two big chances, frustrating Hoops fans as they endured 87 minutes until substitute McGowan found the breakthrough.

The number nine must be better at converting for the rest of the season otherwise he could see himself losing his starting role under the Northern Irish manager.

Barring the relentless running of Johnston, Celtic were loathful down the right-hand side with the Korean to blame.

The 23-year-old just couldn’t get himself into the game compared to Maeda on the other flank, touching the ball just 34 times in 59 minutes.

Indeed, Hyun-Jun maintained an excellent passing rate with 91%, but he was far too safe going forward, often searching for the Canadian full-back’s support to help him out.

The former Gangwon wide man will want to show the gaffer why he deserves to start but this performance may see him dropped from the side for the next fixture against Aberdeen.

The centre-midfielder is the latest Swede to head to Glasgow to play his football but Nygren was a bit hit-and-miss on his league debut.

Going forward, the 24-year-old showed flashes of brilliance, including hitting the crossbar just before halftime.

Benjamin Nygren v St MirrenGround duels (won)5 (1)Aerial duels (won)4 (1)Possession lost18More work needs to be done for the Swede (Source: Sofascore)

But defensively he was found wanting, winning just two of his duels as well as losing possession 18 times, one of the highest for Celtic during the game.

More resilience and care with the ball must be shown by the former Genk man if he is to succeed in Scotland.

Conversely, his departure for match winner McGowan will raise some eyebrows given the Scotsman’s involvement in the title-winning team last season.
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