Celtic sent out a powerful message to their title rivals with a 5-0 home win over Ross County.
That result lifted the hoops onto 37 points out of 39 with a goal difference of plus 36 to give them a five point lead over Aberdeen. Despite making six changes to the side that started the Champions League draw with Club Brugge.
There was absolutely no drop in standards with four of the ‘incomers’ joining Callum McGregor on the scoresheet with the match done and dusted by half time.
There might be a flicker of disappointment that there were no goals after the break but the hoops did hit the woodwork twice and found substitute ‘keeper Jack Hamilton in inspired form. One instinctive save from an Adam Idah volley accurately summed up the second half.
With a schedule of two matches a week into the new year Rodgers tested his squad and discovered a back-up group that are ready to step in at short notice with no drop in standards.
Luke McCowan summed that mantra up brilliantly today, taking up a great position and showing immaculate control to deliver Celtic’s second goal while threading through passes that constantly left the County defence exposed.
Liam Scales didn’t have any howlers that forced him out the team, restored in place of Auston Trusty today he headed in the 10th minute opener then provided the assist for McCowan to score Celtic’s second goal.
🤩 McCowan shines
©️ McGregor from range
💪 Scales, Bernardo & Idah on targetCeltic scored FIVE first-half goals as they demolished Ross County ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/q0Jkof4VOs
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 30, 2024
After the efforts over the last eight days against Hearts, Brugge and Ross County Rodgers’ squad can put their feet up tomorrow and see how the contenders/pretenders get on.
Phil Clement’s Euro heroes will find St Johnstone less obliging hosts for a noon kick-off, thee hours later Aberdeen return to Edinburgh for the second time this week with Tynecastle their destiny.
The next two weeks will go a long way towards defining Celtic’s season with the ideal scenario delivering the League Cup, a Champions League Play Off place and an extended lead in the SPFL.
A fully functioning squad of 16-18 players will be required for that task, on today’s evidence harsh decisions will be required by Rodgers but it appears that everyone is on board and ready to deliver when called upon.
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