3 weeks ago
7
Celtic skipper Callum McGregor had stressed in the build-up to this crucial Champions League play-off the importance of taking a healthy first-leg advantage to deepest Kazakhstan if the Parkhead side were to entertain hopes of another European run to be proud of.
After an insipid 90 minutes at Celtic Park, however, there will be nothing but dread for Brendan Rodgers' side ahead of their 8,000-mile round trip to Almaty next week.
The failure to bring in the fresh blood many fans — and boss Rodgers — clearly craved ahead of the kick-off to their latest continental campaign now looks set to bite the Scottish champions where it hurts.
A first-half injury to full-back Alistair Johnston was the last thing Rodgers needed with his problem positions piling up, and there was not one man in green and white who looked like they truly belonged at elite level on a night where the visitors did a professional job to plunder a precious advantage in the tie.
Our man GARY KEOWN was on hand to pore over the second disappointing Champions League to hit Glasgow this week...
Cameron Carter-Vickers tries to put some pressure on the Kairat keeper, to no avail
Celtic skipper Callum McGregor had expressed the need to build a healthy first-leg advantage
Brendan Rodgers found it difficult to hide his disappointment at the stalemate with Kairat
CELTIC (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel 6.5
Didn’t have a huge amount to do, but made no errors. Probably had Edmilson’s ambitious effort covered.
Alistair Johnston 6
Was asked some testing questions in early stages, but his removal on 35 minutes spells grim news for Celtic.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 7
One slip allowed Edmilson to take a pop from distance, but he didn’t do an awful lot wrong otherwise at the back.
Alistair Johnston grimaces as he is stretchered off with a nasty looking injury
Liam Scales 7
Steady in defence and, always keen to contribute in an attacking sense, put a header over. Decent display.
Kieran Tierney 6
Clearly going to be a big part of Celtic’s attacking strategy, but nothing really came off before he was replaced late on.
Reo Hatate 6
One great ball to set up Maeda for a shot at goal, but just didn’t produce enough of the creative spark he’s known for.
Daizen Maeda gets a rare sniff at goal but is unable to get the home side on the scoresheet
Callum McGregor 5.5
A relatively quiet night for the Celtic skipper. Booked for a professional foul on Gromyko when stopping a breakaway.
Benjamin Nygren 5.5
Got into good positions, but often got crowded out or made the wrong decision. Eventually replaced by Yamada.
James Forrest 6
One slack first-half ball set up a chance for Jorginho, but he did force a good save after break. Replaced by Engels.
Adam Idah 3
Not at the races and hooked at half-time for Yang. Another big chance to shine in Europe that simply passed him by.
James Forrest attempts one of Celtic's very few shots on goal on a lacklustre evening
Daizen Maeda 6
Made a great run on 37 minutes and forced a save, but fluffed a great chance in time added-on.
Brendan Rodgers 5
Spent £30m on Engels, Trusty, Bernardo and Idah. Needs new signings to offer way more. Under big pressure next week.
Substitutes: Ralston (Johnston 35), Yang (Idah 46), Engels (Forrest 70), Trusty (Tierney 76), Yamada (Nygren 76).
Kairat Almaty (4-3-3): Zarutskiy (Anarbekov 75); Mrynskiy, Martynovich, Sorokin, Glezer; Tapalov, Gromyko, Arad; Edmilson (Ricardinho 83), Satpaev, Jorginho.
Referee: Espen Eskas (Norway) 7.
Attendance: N/A.
