Celtic were flat this afternoon, but having progressed to the next round without any major injury concerns they can consider the job done.
Ange Postecoglou named a strong starting XI, making fewer changes than many anticipated. Hart, Vickers, Ralston and Hatate maintained their places, while Rogic was also selected.
Perhaps the fact the opposition were unfancied caused a bit of malaise to set in or maybe it was an off day, but either way Celtic weren’t at it. The blistering tempo that we’ve been used to seeing the Hoops play at wasn’t there and chances weren’t arriving in their usual number.
Liam Scales got the all important opener with a stunning strike. That marks the Irishman’s second goal in just a handful of games. Playing in the left back position, that’s a record that the former Shamrock Rovers star can be proud of.
Having got to the break and survived a penalty scare, which would have been harsh if it had been awarded, Celtic would have expected to kick on. However, little changed from the stuttering pace of the first half and it took until 68 minutes for Giakoumakis to double the advantage. That goal provided a welcome relief for the striker as he saw his name etched on the scoresheet again. It had been assisted by Jota, who Ange introduced in place of the injured Mikey Johnston. With every passing game and every newfound injury, it looks harder to see a long term future for Johnston at the club. The difference in contributions between him and Jota was night and day.
Alongside Jota, Abada and Maeda found themselves on the park – a mark of Postecoglou’s dissatisfaction at the way the game was going. The latter scored a sharp header from a corner after Ralston’s powerful flick on. It was good to see the Japanese striker record another goal in his young Celtic career.
There was time for Christopher Jullien to finally make his Celtic return after more than a year on the sidelines. The sight of the towering Frenchman on the hallowed turf was encouraging. He could yet prove a useful defensive option this season.
Nir Bitton added a late goal after his spot kick rebounded to him in the game’s dying embers. That goal sugar-coated the match in truth. It was far from scinitilating stuff at Parkhead but a victory and no key injuries is adequate at this stage of the campaign.
I’ve no doubt that Celtic will be in much better form for the visit of Bodo Glimt on Thursday night. Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Carl Starfelt will all return. Meanwhile, Jota and Liel Abada will play from the start. Josip Juranovic could also be in line for a return to the team. Those additions will make a huge difference.
