John Herron was the Celtic hero with a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Ross County.
The midfielder made a brief first team
appearance against Ross County in January and looks capable of following in his former class-mate Tony Watt’ into Neil Lennon’s plans.
The visitors survived a flurry of early corners before Celtic took the lead in the 18th minute.
A corner from Herron on the left was punched clear by a Ross County hand but after Paul George’s penalty was saved Herron tucked away the rebound.
Celtic had the bulk of possession but found it difficult to break down the County defence with former Celt Stuart Balmer having his defence well drilled.
Herron, George and Johnstone were each causing problems in isolation but there wasn’t much evidence of teamwork as Celtic pushed for a second goal.
Five minutes into the second half Celtic doubled their lead with Herron again on the scoresheet. Mikey Miller sent in a perfect cross from the right flank with Herron confidently drilling his shot low into the net from eight yards out.
The bhoy from Coatbridge completed his hat trick from the penalty spot in the 56th minute when he confidently rolled the ball past the keeper after being pushed over in the box preparing to head a cross from George.
Despite the scoreline the highland side refused to give up, pushing forward at every opportunity and snapping into challenges.
Herron could have had a fourth in the 70th minute but headed wide from a Lewis Kidd cross.
With five wins in a row to their name Celtic’s next fixture is away to Dundee United on Wednesday February 20 with a 7pm kick off at Tannadice.
Recent addition Luidgi Hoareau, from the Reunion Isles, made his debut replacing Kidd in centre midfield for the last 10 minutes.
CELTIC: Fasan; Miller, Fraser, Findlay, Chalmers; Herron, Kidd (Hoareau), Lindsay, Henderson, George, Johnstone (McMullan 64)
SUBS: Cullen, McManus, McMullan, Eadie, Kelleher, Waters,
Another excellent result which keeps the ball rolling for the big game against Dundee Utd. Delighted for John Herron, sure to give his confidence a further wee boost and I am certain we will see him really making his mark in the first team in the near future.
Great composure, awareness, can score goals and can play a killer pass whats not to like. The future is looking very bright indeed….Lennon will hear the thunder alright, Our young guns will be battering his door down. I think this is our best crop since the Quality street kids of Dalglish – McGrain – Hay – Macari et al.