Takeaways from Celtic’s patient 4-1 victory over Ross County

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The Celtic Star

·12 January 2025

Takeaways from Celtic’s patient 4-1 victory over Ross County

My takeaways from Celtic’s patient 4-1 victory over Ross County in subzero temperatures in Dingwall yesterday afternoon…

Kyogo silencing the doubters

Kyogo leads the celebrations. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Kyogo’s instinct finish to open the scoring made up for his earlier glaring missed opportunity. The Japanese frontman has been on the receiving end of criticism this season, but it was refreshingly the Kyogo of old in the Highlands yesterday.

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He could’ve had more, but his glancing header to reestablish Celtic’s lead in the game takes the 29 year-old to the top of the Scottish Premiership scoring charts with 10 goals. Clearly, speculation around Kyogo’s future has not affected him and heading into a congested period of fixtures, a confident Kyogo is exactly what Brendan Rodgers needs.

Johnny Kenny’s impressive debut

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Returning from a successful loan spell at Shamrock Rovers where he impressively netted on five occasions in this season’s Europa Conference League group phase, Kenny made his long-awaited Celtic debut. The Irishman produced nice touches during his 25-minute cameo and passed up an awkward chance minutes after coming on.

Looking sharp, Johnny Kenny could prove to be a valuable option from the bench over the coming weeks domestically. Rodgers looks to have found the 3rd striker he was looking for. Games are coming thick and fast for the Hoops on all fronts, and Kenny will surely be utilised as another attacking option from now until the end of the season.

On a side note, there were three players in the Celtic squad yesterday from counties Sligo, Cork and Wicklow. Brendan Rodgers from County Antrim. Celtic’s connection to the Island of Ireland has always been deep-rooted off the pitch, but its currently as strong as its ever been on it.

Jordan Amissah kept the scoreline down

Ross County keeper Jordan Amissah with Referee Matthew MacDermid. Amissah helped keep the score down. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Jordan Amissah has played a huge factor in Ross County’s turnaround in form over the festive and New Year period, and his performance yesterday against the Scottish champions was top class. Accumulating nine saves, seven of which were inside the box, the German was quite easily Man of the Match despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise.

Ross County keeper Jordan Amissah makes another save. Amissah helped keep the score down. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Whether it be the double save from Idah and Kyogo on the stroke of half-time or Alex Valle’s deflected effort at 1-1, Celtic had to remain patient due to Amissah’s excellence. It looked as if the ex-Sheffield United shotstopper kept Arne Engels’ penalty out in stoppage time, but he was adjudged to have come off his line. We’ve seen many outstanding performances over the years from opposition goalkeeper’s but Amissah’s yesterday afternoon is right up there with the best.

Conor Spence

Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

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Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

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