Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Tommyknockers

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SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC v TOMMYKNOCKERS

“Take a deep breath and focus on what’s really important.” – Wayne Dyer.

Daizen Maeda celebrates with Kasper Schmeichel
Daizen Maeda celebrates with Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO /Shutterstock

THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 7/10 – Now THAT’S a save! Almost better than Thursday, this time with added treachery from Liam, nicking it over him with spin like Shane Warne. But the old man’ reflexes were still sharp as Austin Trusty’s cup semi-final studs and he pulled off miraculous fingertip defiance to keep us ahead. That crucial save was the highlight of another solid outing, capping safe handling all round and a clean sheet to defy his recent critics.

Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic is injured
Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic is injured during the Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

SCRATCHY – N/A – Is Lennoxtown built over a cursed Injun burial ground? In timely coincidence we’ve now lost more men than they did on the first day of the Somme. If Celts continue to fall at the current rate then I’ll be looking out my boots again, and some of you will, too. Ghod help us.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Celtic
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Celtic and Zac Williams of Kilmarnock. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles

PUSEY PATROL – 5.5/10 – Finally the Citeh kid with the Finbar Saunders surname gets to make his debut, meaning Jamesy has to be nowhere near the squad for… Reasons…And he took time to relax; understandable given the only football he’s seen in four months has been on his Playstation. Bit shaky overall, no upgrade on what we’ve seen to date with anyone else in the role, but kudos for going out on a promising high with a formidable wipeout tackle just before he was hooked.

Celtic players observe a one minute silence
Celtic players observe a one minute silence for Remembrance Day Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO /Shutterstock

OF JUSTICE – 6/10 – Better from Liam, though not quite Ginger Baresi levels of excellence as Killie’s lively frontline pulled him around for a while. But he didn’t crack under interrogation, – unlike Lee Wallace – and maintained composure when it counted to maintain the zero. Helped of course, by a Trusty defensive partner, every flaming pun intended…

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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1 Comment

  1. “Now is the(winter) season of our discontent.”
    Despite the off field upheavals and on field injuries and tepid performances we are still in contention for another domestic treble.
    For what it’s worth a place in the next phase of the Euro league not out of reach.
    BR having added to the trophy haul despite the approbation of a section of the support and the board is now enjoying the sunshine somewhere.
    It’s only 10th of Nov.
    Time to catch a breath and perhaps join MON in the darkened room.
    It’s a long road has no turning.
    .Hail Hail.