2025-04-12: Celtic 5-1 Kilmarnock, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025

Trivia

KO: 12:30 Saturday; Sky Sports TV; Lge Match 33; last game before the split
Celtic top of the league on 81pts +65GD
Record in a match: The most passes Celtic have had since records BEGAN! 1020 today 87% possession. One report claims it’s a world record, but not really true, apparently has been surpassed in a German match, but regardless quite brilliant all the same.
Big turnaround after last weekend albeit all the real work was done in the first half with a solitary goal scored at the death by Ralston. One goal ruled out by VAR for offside (very marginal).
Daizen Maeda extended his goal-scoring streak to eight consecutive starts at home, a feat that has not been achieved by a Celtic player since Henrik Larsson.
Some incredible long range goals today by Hatate, Carter-Vickers and also the Kilmarnock.
Greg Taylor came on to the pitch with his new born child in his arms, he was also MOTM.
Kieran Tierney, who is set to return to Celtic this summer, was denied a goal by VAR in a rare Premier League start as Arsenal drew with Brentford.
Ex-Celt Ryan Christie confirmed his season is over at Bournemouth as he is set to undergo surgery to resolve a persistent groin issue. All wish him a speedy recovery. He was having a great season.
SFA official Alan Muir has been told his VAR career is over after the former referee blundered by disallowing a Celtic goal against Hibernian in February that should not have been overturned. (More than just that incident).
Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan says he would love to sit down with his former winger Aiden McGeady over a cup of tea and talk about their differences.
Ex-Celt Charlie Mulgrew has quit his role as Kelty Hearts (League One/third tier) manager after just 11 matches, after just one win.
Sevco’s Vaclav Cerny avoided a Scottish FA ban over his controversial celebrations during last month’s clash at Celtic Park.
Reports: Norwegian midfielder Sondre Orjasaeter, 21, says he is relieved a January transfer to Celtic from Sarpsborg did not materialise, admitting he wasn’t ready for such a move.. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is back on the Celtic radar despite the 36-year-old signing a new deal at Newcastle United in February. Fabio Cannavaro has been sacked by Dinamo Zagreb, which may throw Celtic and Scotland left-back Greg Taylor’s proposed move to Croatia into doubt.
Celtic have formally begun the search for a new First Team Analyst, with the club advertising for a pivotal backroom analytical role.The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Analysis and be embedded within the coaching setup, offering tactical and strategic insights to support the first team.
Curling: ‘Top-tier’ Scotland beat Swiss to take historic World Curling gold!

Summary

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “I feel much much happier than I was last week. You see the response over a week’s work and today. It puts us in a perfect place going into the Scottish Cup semi-final [next week]. If we put in a performance like that, hopefully we can get to the final.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells Sky Sports: “It’s what this group is, a really honest group. The goals were brilliant. Some individual quality and strikes. Overall it was the perfect performance. On tomorrow’s match between Aberdeen and Rangers, he adds: “Whatever happens happens. It’s about ourselves. We wanted today to be the coronation, but we’ve given ourselves a brilliant opportunity now. We’ll see what the split brings and we’ll look to win our next game.”

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: “Celtic started like a train and put us to the sword with their movement. When they are like that you think, ‘how can they lose games in the Premiership?’ We’ve got to bounce back into work. Every bottom-six team is in a fight, we’ve got to make sure we win those fights. Today wasn’t a fight we needed to win.”

“I promised that unless I was removed that I would be here for three years minimum. Nothing has changed”
Brendan Rodgers is reiterating that he will still be the Celtic manager next season after their 5-1 win over Kilmarnock

Celtic captain Callum McGregor tells Sky Sports: “We were first class first 30 minutes, that’s probably as good as we’ve been all season. When you slip below [your standards], the manager has every right to go for the players and get a response.”

“To be fair, I hit them now and again in training. Today I curly-toed it a wee bit and it beat the keeper.”
Carter-Vickers on his brilliant long-range spectacular goal v Kilmarnock (5-1 win, Apr 2025)

El Salto: Great first half, particularly the first 30 minutes. Superb football, superb goals.
Second half you could have laid money on the foot being taken off the gas, Kilmarnock lunging into every tackle, and Beaton managing the game.
Only downside was Idah, just isn’t going to happen for him, he’s had his moments, big moments, but not often enough.

Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland · 7h Some sensational football from Celtic, probably the most fluent they’ve been since before Christmas, James Forrest and Greg Taylor have made such a difference. Maeda on the wing is so direct that he forces the FB back the way and it just gives Taylor/Hatate space to murder Killie

Teams

Celtic

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
12 V. Sinisalo
03 G. Taylor, subbed for J. Schlupp at 61mins
05 L. Scales
20 C. Carter-Vickers
02 A. Johnston, subbed for A. Ralston at 76mins
41 R. Hatate
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain
27 A. Engels
38 D. Maeda, subbed for L. McCowan at 81mins
09 A. Idah, subbed for Jota at 60mins
49 J. Forrest, subbed for N. Kühn at 60mins

Subs:

29 S. Bain
28 Paulo Bernardo
10 N. Kühn
14 L. McCowan
17 M. Nawrocki
07 Jota
56 A. Ralston
15 J. Schlupp
06 A. Trusty

Goals:R. Hatate (9′, 24′)
D. Maeda (11′)
C. Carter-Vickers (21′)
A. Ralston (90’+3)

Assists:Celtic,G. Taylor (9′), L. Scales (21′), A. Johnston (24′), R. Hatate (90’+3)

Kilmarnock

Manager: Derek McInnes

Formation: 4 – 5 – 1
01 K. O’Hara
03 C. Ndaba
17 S. Findlay
04 J. Wright
05 L. Mayo
15 F. Murray, subbed for M. Kennedy at 78mins
22 L. Donnelly
12 D. Watson, subbed for C. Ramsay at 88mins
08 B. Lyons (c), Captain
11 D. Armstrong, subbed for R. Deas at 46mins
24 B. Wales, subbed for M. Watkins at 46mins

Subs:

19 B. Anderson
18 I. Cameron
06 R. Deas
10 M. Kennedy
14 G. Mackay-Steven
20 R. McCrorie
31 L. Polworth
21 C. Ramsay
23 M. Watkins

Goals:D. Armstrong (29′)

Assists:L. Donnelly (29′)

Referee John Beaton
Video Assistant Referee Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee 1 Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee 2 Scott Robert Anderson
Fourth Official Stewart Luke
Assistant VAR Official Gary Hilland
Att:

Articles

Match Report (see below)

Pictures

Match Pictures

Match Links

Stats

Overall possession
Celtic 87.6% Kilmarnock 12.4%

Shots
Celtic 14 Kilmarnock 5

Shots on target
Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 1

Total touches inside the box
Celtic 34 Kilmarnock 9

Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 1

Fouls
Celtic 9 Kilmarnock 9

Corners
Celtic 10 Kilmarnock 0

Advanced match stats
Shots
Celtic 14 Kilmarnock 5

Shots on target
Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 1

Shots off target
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 4

Blocked shots
Celtic 5 Kilmarnock 0

Attempts out of box
Celtic 8 Kilmarnock 4

Hit woodwork
Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 0

Total offside
Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 0

Total tackles
Celtic 8 Kilmarnock 13

Won tackles
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 9

Fouls
Celtic 9 Kilmarnock 9

Total clearances
Celtic 16 Kilmarnock 30

Headed clearances
Celtic 11 Kilmarnock 14

Duels won
Celtic 36 Kilmarnock 35

Total passes
Celtic 1025 Kilmarnock 145

Accurate passes
Celtic 950 Kilmarnock 72

Backward passes
Celtic 153 Kilmarnock 25

Forward passes
Celtic 230 Kilmarnock 75

Total long balls
Celtic 31 Kilmarnock 51

Successful final third passes
Celtic 324 Kilmarnock 20

Total crosses
Celtic 20 Kilmarnock 3

Touches
Celtic 1173 Kilmarnock 278

Touches in the box
Celtic 34 Kilmarnock 9

Dispossessed
Celtic 10 Kilmarnock 6

Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 1

Diving saves
Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 1

Saved shots from outside the box
Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 1

Keeper throws
Celtic 5 Kilmarnock 0

Goal kicks
Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 9

Pre Match stats
Celtic have only lost one of their last 18 league games against Kilmarnock (W15 D2), a 1-2 defeat away from home in December 2023.

In all competitions, Kilmarnock have only won one of their last 85 away games against Celtic (D18 L66), winning 2-0 in October 2012 under Kenny Shiels.

Celtic have lost three of their last six league games (W3), more than their previous 46 beforehand (W38 D6 L2). The Hoops could lose successive league fixtures for the first time since December 2023 – one of which was against Kilmarnock (1-2).

Kilmarnock have picked up just nine points in their 16 away league games this season (W2 D3 L11), the fewest of any Scottish Premiership side. Killie are winless in their last 10 on the road in the competition (D2 L8), losing their last five.

Kilmarnock’s Fraser Murray has scored two goals in his last three Scottish Premiership appearances, as many as his previous 73 beforehand.

Articles

Sparkling Celtic on brink of title as unlikely goalscorer nets worldy Kompany strike – over to Rangers now

Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson

Sports Editor

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/sparkling-celtic-on-brink-of-title-as-unlikely-goalscorer-nets-worldy-kompany-strike-over-to-rangers-now-5080362

0Comments
Published 12th Apr 2025, 14:30 BST
Rodgers’ men respond emphatically to take down Kilmarnock

Celtic stand on the brink of officially retaining their Scottish Premiership crown after a crushing 5-1 home win over Kilmarnock.

A double from Reo Hatate, a stunning strike from centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daizen Maeda’s 31st goal of the season and a stoppage-time effort from Anthony Ralston gave Brendan Rodgers’ men a convincing victory over Killie, who responded with a goal from Danny Armstrong after falling 4-0 down inside the first 24 minutes.

Celtic have now moved 16 points clear at the top of the Premiership and will be crowned champions on Sunday afternoon if nearest challengers Rangers are beaten by Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is mobbed by his Celtic teammates after scoring a stunning strike against Kilmarnock.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is mobbed by his Celtic teammates after scoring a stunning strike against Kilmarnock. | SNS Group

This was an excellent response from Celtic after they surprisingly lost 1-0 to bottom club St Johnstone last weekend at McDiarmid Park. That result brought criticism from their fans and manager Rodgers, who does not want his players’ standards to slip in the home straight of the campaign.

Celtic were rampant at the beginning of the match, with the pick of goals coming from American defender Carter-Vickers when he lashed home an unstoppable strike from distance to net his first of the season. It was an effort reminiscent of another centre-half in Vincent Kompany when he scored a crucial goal for Manchester City in their EPL title run in 2019 against Leicester City.

Maeda had a goal disallowed for offside just before the break and in the second half, Kilmarnock were a lot more competitive and managed to restrict the hosts until stoppage time, when substitute Ralston scored from close range to cap off an excellent afternoon.

While almost everyone would concede that the league crown has been Celtic’s for some time now, there is a decent chance they could be coronated without kicking a ball on Sunday. Rangers are without several first-teamers and focusing on next Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao, with the tie delicately poised at 0-0 following the first leg at Ibrox.

Daizen Maeda Equals Henrik Larsson Record

By
Michael Shearer –
April 12, 2025
Daizen Maeda’s remarkable form at Celtic Park continues, as the Japanese forward extended his goal-scoring streak to eight consecutive starts at home with a goal in this afternoon’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock. His strike marks the eighth goal in a row for Maeda at Celtic Park, a feat that has not been achieved by a Celtic player since Henrik Larsson’s golden years at the Hoops.

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The last time anyone came close to Maeda’s run was back when Leigh Griffiths scored in seven consecutive starts at home. But it is Larsson, Celtic’s legendary Swedish striker, who remains the benchmark, having scored in eight straight starts at Celtic Park. Maeda’s achievement has placed him amongst Celticgreats, proving how important he has become to Brendan Rodgers’ attack this season.

Maeda’s scoring streak began on February 5th in a dominant 6-0 win over Dundee. The 27-year-old not only found the net but did so in style, scoring twice in a performance that yet again his sharpness and relentless work rate. Since then, he has been in unstoppable form, hitting the back of the net in every home game he has started.
Maeda’s goals have been crucial for Celtic, especially with Kyogo leaving the club in January. There was a void to fill, and Maeda has done so, and more, in recent months.

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

What’s even more impressive is the consistency of his performances. With each goal, Maeda seems to be growing in confidence, and his link-up play with the likes of Reo Hatate and Alistair Johnston has been an attacking highlight for the Hoops this season. His work rate, intelligent movement off the ball, and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences, and it’s no surprise he’s managed to continue this sensational goalscoring streak.

As Celtic head into the final weeks of the season, Maeda’s goal-scoring form will be key in the Hoops’ pursuit of the domestic treble. If he keeps this run going, he’ll further cement his place in Celtic’s history, already a fan favourite, but now climbing the ranks of Celtic greats with each passing week.

Greg Taylor’s Emotional Saturday Night Celtic Post

By
Michael Shearer –
April 12, 2025

Greg Taylor’s performance in Celtic’s dominant 5-1 win over Kilmarnock this afternoon undoubtedly caught the eye of many. The left-back was awarded man of the match after delivering an exceptional display that solidified his growing importance to Brendan Rodgers’ side. His tireless running, brilliant positioning, and strong defensive work were key to the Hoops securing a comfortable win, and it was clear that Taylor was in fine form.
However, it wasn’t just Taylor’s performance on the pitch that caught the attention of fans and the media today. The moment that truly stood out came before the game even kicked off. As Celtic emerged from the tunnel, ready for action, Taylor made a heartwarming gesture that quickly captured the hearts of supporters.

In a rare and touching moment, the Scotland international was seen carrying his baby daughter, Ruvie, as he led the team onto the field. The image of Taylor, a proud father, holding his daughter with a smile as he made his way out onto the pitch spoke volumes. It was a moment that eclipsed football, reminding fans that footballers are also people with families and emotions beyond the game.
Social media erupted as fans took to social media to share their admiration for Taylor’s sweet moment. The post-match focus was understandably on the victory and Taylor’s stellar display, but it was the pre-match image that fans couldn’t stop talking about.
With Taylor’s Celtic future uncertain, it’s clear his focus has been elsewhere recently. With his wife recently giving birth, it’s understandable that he hasn’t been focused on signing a new contract. For Celtic fans, seeing such a personal moment with his family only strengthens the connection they feel with him, not just as a player, but as a person and a father.
While Taylor may not be at Celtic next season, this afternoon was undoubtedly a special day for him. That makes his man-of-the-match performance all the more special, as he showed why he undoubtedly deserves a new deal.

Dominant Celtic deliver emphatic victory over Kilmarnock

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/april/12/dominant-celtic-deliver-emphatic-victory-over-kilmarnock/

First Team

By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor

Share
12 Apr 2025, 2:23 pm

Scottish Premiership
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Celtic Park

CELTIC… 5
(Hatate 8, 24, Maeda 10, Carter-Vickers 20, Ralston, 90+2)

KILMARNOCK… 1
(Armstrong 29)

Celtic returned to winning ways in style with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

Goals from Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Anthony Ralston and a double from Reo Hatate delivered three points for the Hoops, and the win puts Brendan Rodgers’ side on the verge of securing a fourth consecutive Premiership title.

It could be argued that the game was over after just 10 minutes as Celtic produced a blistering opening which saw them score twice, first through Reo Hatate and then Daizen Maeda.

The opening goal was a thing of beauty as Hatate combined with Greg Taylor before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Just two minutes later, Brendan Rodgers’ side doubled their lead as Maeda scored his 31st goal of the season.

Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston combined well down the right-hand side, with the latter firing a low ball into the six-yard box. It landed at the feet of Maeda at the back post and he tapped it in to make it 2-0.

Celtic were carving Kilmarnock open at will, and Liam Scales had a 20-yard effort well saved by Kieran O’Hara.

However, there was nothing the Killie keeper could do in the 20th minute when Cameron Carter-Vickers unleashed a 25-yard shot from the inside-right area that flew into the top corner.

Four minutes later, Reo Hatate scored his second of the afternoon following some great interplay between Engels, Johnston and James Forrest, with the Canadian again the provider.

Hatate kept his composure inside the area to steer the ball home and make it 4-0 to Celtic.

Just before the half-hour mark, the visitors did reduce the deficit when Danny Armstrong curled in a shot from the edge of the box that evaded Viljami Sinisalo.

Celtic thought they’d scored a fifth goal just before the break when Daizen Maeda had the ball in the back of the net following some great play involving Adam Idah and Reo Hatate, but a VAR review ruled the goal out due to the Irish striker being in an offside position when he received the ball.
88%

Possession
12%
14

Shots
5
6

Shots On Target
1
10

Corners
0
9

Fouls
9

Cards

Celtic continued to dominate the game after the break without creating as many clear-cut chances.

Indeed, it took until just after the hour mark before substitute Nicolas Kuhn tried his luck with a shot that was blocked.

Kilmarnock, who offered little in an attacking sense, did create a chance on 66 minutes from a long throw-in, but Fraser Murray’s effort from inside the area was high and white.

With just under 15 minutes remaining, Arne Engels curled an effort towards goal from inside the box, but the crossbar came to Kilmarnock’s rescue and the ball was cleared.

The Hoops continued to push forward in search of a fifth goal, and late in the game, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate combined well, but the latter, in search of a hat-trick, couldn’t direct his effort on target.

However, there was still time for a fifth goal as Anthony Ralston, on as a late substitute for Alistair Johnston, showed great footwork inside the area to fire a low shot into the net and make it 5-1 to the Hoops.

Celtic will put their own league efforts to one side now as they begin preparations for next Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden against St Johnstone, although depending on tomorrow’s result at PIttodrie, there may yet be a cause for celebration.

Celtic: Sinisalo, Johnston (Ralston 76′), Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor (Schlupp 61′), Engels, McGregor, Hatate, Forrest (Kühn 60′), Idah (Jota 60′), Maeda (McCowan 81′)

Subs: Trusty, Jota, Kühn, McCowan, Schlupp, Nawrocki, Paulo Bernardo, Bain, Ralston

Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Ndaba, Armstrong (Deas 45′), Lyons, Watson (Ramsay 88′), Donnelly, Murray (Kennedy 78′), Wales (Watkins 45′)

Subs: Deas, Kennedy, Mackay-Steven, Cameron, Anderson, McCr

Celtic scorers competing for goal of the match award

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/april/12/celtic-scorers-competing-for-goal-of-the-match-award/
First Team

By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor

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12 Apr 2025, 3:07 pm

Reo Hatate scored a double in Saturday’s impressive 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock, and the Japanese midfielder was unlucky not to be going home with the match ball after coming close to his first hat-trick for the Hoops.

However, the 27-year-old admitted after the game that, despite scoring two great goals himself, he thought Cameron Carter-Vickers’ strike was the pick of the bunch.

“We lost the last game so we wanted to win the game today, and our performance was better than the last game,” said Hatate

“In terms of the first goal, that’s my best goal this season, but Cam’s goal was better than mine!”

Carter-Vickers’ goal, which made it 3-0 to the Hoops after just 20 minutes, was a stunning 25-yard strike which left the Kilmarnock keeper floundering as the balkl soared into the top corner of the net.

And the defender was delighted with the effort, his second of the season.

“I stepped in and hit it and it flew in, and I probably couldn’t do that again if I tried, but it went in today so I’m happy,” Carter-Vickers told Celtic TV after the game.

“We wanted to win the game, and whether we win or lose the previous game, our mentality is to focus on the next game and try and perform and do well in the next one, and that’s what we did today.

“At the start of the season we want to win every competition we’re part of. We’re getting close now but we know there’s still work to do so we’ve got to Hampden there next w

Manager: It was a brilliant reaction and a wonderful performance from the players

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/april/12/manager–/
First Team

By Matthew Campbell

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12 Apr 2025, 3:35 pm

Celtic matched the glorious, sunny weather at Paradise today with a dazzling performance against Kilmarnock which takes Brendan Rodgers’ men to the brink of four-in-a-row.

Before the match, the Hoops boss had backed his players to get back to winning ways after the disappointment of last week’s performance and result against St Johnstone.

And, speaking to Celtic TV after today’s victory, Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the team’s display and mentality.

“The reaction was important for us,” he said. “The overall game is how we want to work, how we want to play.

“I said to the players beforehand that today is about a winning attitude. Mix that with talent and then we’ll always play with big quality.

“For large parts of the season that’s what we’ve done, so today sets the standard for us for the remainder of the season.

‘It was a brilliant reaction from the players and a wonderful performance.’

“It all comes from the mentality and ambition. The players who came in to the team were brilliant. Everything which is good about this team we seen today.”

Celtic blew Kilmarnock away before half-time, with the Hoops leading 4-1 at the break.

The quality of all the goals in the first half was of the very highest level, but Cameron Carter-Vickers’ top corner strike from the edge of the box, his first league goal of the season, was one of the standouts.

And the Celtic manager praised the defender for his finish as he looked ahead to next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone.

Brendan added: “I think Cameron’s goal surprised 60,000 people, but it shows you his confidence.

“We were forcing them back at that point, but nobody would have thought, from that distance, he would have got the strike. But it was a hell of a strike and a brilliant goal.

“We wanted to go in to next week with that winning ambition and today was perfect.

“It’s perfect preparation. We can now recover, get our plan ready for next week and look to get to the final.”

BBC
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Manager Brendan Rodgers hailed Celtic’s “brilliant reaction” to their shock defeat at St Johnstone as they moved to within touching distance of another Scottish Premiership title by ripping Kilmarnock apart with a barnstorming first-half display.

Rodgers demanded a response following the loss to the division’s bottom side, and within 24 minutes his side were four ahead thanks to a stunning array of goals, with Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate, twice, on target.

Danny Armstrong’s cross sailed home for some brief respite for Derek McInnes’ men, but the champions-elect utterly dominated.

The icing on the cake arrived in injury time as substitute Anthony Ralston danced into the box and found the far corner.

Celtic’s title win will be confirmed if Aberdeen defeat Rangers on Sunday, while well-beaten Kilmarnock now head into a crucial bottom-six run that will determine their fate.

“As frustrated as I was last week, that was a brilliant reaction,” Rodgers told BBC Scotland. “The first 30 minutes were as good as we’ve been.

“That’s more like what we’ve been for large parts of the season. Winning attitude mixed with talent, you get that performance.”

All the Celtic latest in one place

Everything you need to know about Kilmarnock

Rodgers had questioned the mindset of his squad after defeat last Sunday meant there was no home title party this weekend.

With four changes for the home side, two up top and two at the back, the intent and desire was there instantly. Celtic were magnificent and swatted Kilmarnock away with some excellent goals.

The first was an individual moment of brilliance as Hatate gathered off a one-two and, without hesitation, fired straight into the top corner with Kieran O’Hara given no hope in goal.

Things quickly imploded for the visitors. Arne Engels waited and waited before playing a delightful ball in behind for Alistair Johnston, who squared for Maeda to tap in the easiest of his now 31 goals this season.

Celtic’s attacking was relentless and Carter-Vickers got in on the act as he strode freely towards the box and smashed a perfect long-range strike into the top corner.

The fourth was wonderfully worked with James Forrest again releasing Johnston, who found Hatate with space and time to net his second of the game and 10th of the season.

At that stage, Kilmarnock looked in freefall. From nowhere, Armstrong crossed with pace and it soared to the far post and over Viljami Sinisalo into the top corner. Fortunate but gratefully received.

Celtic kept at it. Kilmarnock avoided further damage just before half-time when Maeda slammed home but Adam Idah was adjudged just offside.

The only solace for the visitors was it didn’t get much worse as they changed approach at the break to some effect. The damage was done.

Engels was closest to a fifth with a curling effort that clipped the bar before Ralston’s late strike as Celtic inflicted a painful, chastening afternoon on their opponents.
Celtic utterly rampan

‘Change needed’ as Celtic boss eyes summer turnover

‘Change needed’ as Celtic boss eyes summer turnover
Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers takes trainingImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Brendan Rodgers was disappointed by the weekend defeat at the hands of St Johnstone

Published
11 April 2025

Brendan Rodgers says “change is needed” to Celtic’s squad this summer to guard against the complacency that has crept into his side in recent weeks with such a comfortable lead in the Scottish title race.

“It’s either that or the manager goes,” the Northern Irishman said as he indicated his preference to make changes to his playing staff.

Rodgers was left angry by Sunday’s defeat by bottom side St Johnstone, a result that means they cannot now clinch the title at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday despite their 13-point lead over Rangers.

After losing just twice in the whole of 2024 in all competitions – to Rangers and Borussia Dortmund – Celtic have suffered six defeats so far this year.

“We always want to improve the team, improve the hunger in the team,” Rodgers said. “Because one of the ways to succeed and guard across what I’ve been talking about, is you need the freshness.

“It’s either that or the manager goes. It’s as simple as that. You cannot be at a club for a long period of time with the same group of players.

“And, likewise, the same group of players need a different voice maybe. But, at this moment, it will be about improving the squad.”

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Changes were already certain, with Celtic having failed to replace Kyogo Furuhashi when the striker left for Rennes in January.

Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has signed a pre-contract to return from Arsenal as fellow Scotland left-back Greg Taylor looks poised to exit on freedom of contract.

“I think naturally what you have at our club, there is a natural slide of players that move out and come in every three or four years,” Rodgers said.

“I think change is needed. That freshness, that new energy coming into your squad that alleviates any of that sort of complacency. However this team does at the end of the season, we want to improve it. The team needs the competition.”

Rodgers expects a positive reaction after claiming in Perth that there was a “comfort” in his team that he did not like.

“There’s no doubt that the gap in the league, and also maybe a little bit of coming out of the Champions League, has just taken a slight edge off,” he added.

“So that’s a mindset that I need to continue to work within the squad in order to improve that. I don’t forget how well they have done, but I can’t accept what that was last week.”
Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers takes trainingImage source, SNS
Image caption,