Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net
(Credit: Getty)
Ciaran Morrison
Sun 3 August 2025 18:47, UK
St Mirren could not get off to a winning start in the Scottish Premiership, but they nearly earned themselves a point at Celtic.
The Buddies put up a strong defensive showing in Glasgow, which frustrated the hosts, until Luke McCowan’s winner in the 87th minute gave Celtic a narrow 1-0 win.
Stephen Robinson set up with a back five and looked to use the same tactics that got St Mirren a 1-1 against Celtic on the final day of last season.
However, Brendan Rodger’s side eventually broke St Mirren’s resistance to start their campaign with victory after Rangers had dropped points against Motherwell.
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Shamal George – 8
Made Daizen Maeda’s mind up for him when the Celtic winger burst through on goal, and George was thankful the Japanese international could not convert into an empty net.
Redeemed himself with a superb save to deny Benjamin Nygren on the stroke of half-time and overall had a superb game.
Jayden Richardson (Off for Sobowale 79?) – 7
Made an important interception to deny Maeda a tap-in at the back post during the first half, impressing defensively on his league debut for the club.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Marcus Fraser – 7
Strong in his duels and another excellent performance from a St Mirren defender, which was what the Buddies required if they were to take anything from Celtic Park.
Alex Gogic – 8 – Man of the match
The centre-back is a fierce competitor and that showed again with this immense performance at the heart of the St Mirren back three.
His display deserved a clean sheet.
Richard King (Off for Dijksteel 91?) – 7
Another debut in the St Mirren defence, and the Jamaican was another solid performer, putting himself about to deny Celtic a goal before they eventually struck.
Declan John – 7
Like, Richardson the full-backs didn’t offer anything going forward but defensively kept Celtic out down the flanks.
Killian Phillips – 7
Shielded the back five well and as with every St Mirren player worked extremely hard to keep Celtic at bay for as long as they did.
Richard Taylor (Off for Jonah Ayunga 46?) – 5
Another tireless performer in the middle of the park but was withdrawn at half-time for striker Ayunga to try and give the visitors more goal threat.
Mark O’Hara – 6
The St Mirren captain forced Kasper Schmeichel into a good save with his curling effort in the first half.
Not strong enough in the tackle which allowed Callum McGregor to win the ball and fire home what looked the opening goal, which was then disallowed.
Roland Idowu (Off for Smyth 79?) – 5
This was a tough debut up-front for Idowu, away to the champions were service was of short supply.
Whether the 23-year-old becomes another shrewd addition by manager Stephen Robinson will be of greater examination against Motherwell.
Mikael Mandron (Off for Mooney 79?) – 5
A lack of service was given to the striker and he didn’t give St Mirren much of an outlet, but worked hard up-front.
Substitutes
Jonah Ayunga (On for Taylor 46?) – 4
Was a rusty start to the new season for Ayunga, who did little to improve St Mirren’s goal threat in the second half.
Osin Smyth (On for Idowu 79?) – 6
Had the best chance of the match for St Mirren, but the midfielder saw his shot blocked well inside the Celtic penalty area.
Evan Mooney (On for Mandron 79?) – 6
The 17-year-old’s youthful energy could not drive St Mirren to an unlikely late goal.
Tunmise Sobowale (On for Richardson 79?) – 6
Another debutant in the St Mirren ranks, Sobowale will not be judged off a tough final ten minutes at Celtic Park.
Malik Dijksteel (On for King 91?) – 6
Had only mere moments to impact proceedings.
Related Posts
For more news relating to Rangers, visit our sister site Rangers Latest Live.
![[Valid RSS]](../valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")