Man by Man
ST MIRREN
CRAIG SAMSON 7 A spectator in the first half and was beaten once by Boyata’s header but Flynn came to his rescue.
PAUL McGINN 7 Solid defensively to curb Tierney’s attacking threat and got forward as often as he could.
JACK BAIRD 7 Sent weak first-half effort wide but energetic and threw himself in front of Ajer to stop him scoring.
ANTON FERDINAND 7 The ex-QPR defender was a steadying influence at the back and put the shackles on Edouard.
LEE HODSON 7 Robbed by Forrest in first half but then came close to a goal with deflected drive.
RYAN FLYNN 7 Headed just over from Hodson’s cross and was in the right place to nod Boyata’s header off the line.
STEPHEN McGINN 8 Ntcham saw red for late tackle on him and Buddies captain never gave Hoops a moment’s rest.
RYAN EDWARDS 7 Booked two minutes in for late tackle on Tierney but recovered to show graft and endeavour.
KYLE MAGENNIS 7 Curled an early effort over the top and another who can be pleased with his contribution.
CAMMY SMITH 8 Saw blistering 20-yard free-kick and low drive saved as he troubled the Hoops defence all night.
DANNY MULLEN 7 Another who carried his gaffer’s instructions out to the letter and hustled at every opportunity.
Subs: Cammy MacPherson – Slotted in for the tiring Ferdinand for last 17 minutes, 3; Hayden Coulson – Worked hard to keep Celtic at bay after coming on for Smith on 78 minutes, 2; Matty Willock – Given the last few minutes for Mullen, 1. Not used: Muir, Kirkpatrick, Jones, Erhahon.
CELTIC
CRAIG GORDON 7 Superb save at Smith’s free-kick and reacted smartly to another effort by the same player.
KRISTOFFER AJER 6 The Norwegian still looks cumbersome and very awkward at times with the ball at his feet.
DEDRYCK BOYATA 7 Had header nodded off the line by Flynn and looped a late effort onto the roof of the net.
FILIP BENKOVIC 7 On-loan Leicester stopper strolled through the first 60 minutes before making way for Griffiths.
KIERAN TIERNEY 6 Tried to attack Hodson as much as he could in the opening 45 minutes but didn’t get much joy.
SCOTT BROWN 7 Protected the back-line with usual combative style but couldn’t inspire his side to victory.
OLIVIER NTCHAM 2 Fortunate to get off with handball and pulling down Smith before he walked for two bookings.
JAMES FORREST 6 Booed by home fans after early incident with Edwards and not able to get forward often.
TOM ROGIC 6 Anonymous first half from the Aussie who can flatter to deceive at times. Also booked.
CALLUM McGREGOR 6 Tried to be positive but found it hard to get anything going against solid Buddies team.
ODSONNE EDOUARD 5 The isolated French striker was restrained by Ferdinand especially in the first period.
Subs: Leigh Griffiths – Skied one over after replacing Benkovic on the hour, 4; Ryan Christie – Came on for Edouard on 87 minutes but too late to make an impact, 1. Not used: Bain, Sinclair, Lustig, Mulumbu, Johnston.
Referee: Andrew Dallas