OPINION
Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to a 5-1 rout of Kilmarnock on Saturday which ensured that his side disposed of the visitors from the summit of the Scottish Premiership table.
James Forrest netted a brace, Ryan Christie bagged a goal, while Odsonne Edouard and Mikael Lustig also joined in on the act during this thrashing of Steve Clarke’s side.
Here, This is Futbol examines three things learned about Celtic as they went on to complete a thumping of Kilmarnock at the weekend.
McGregor needs to be in starting XI ahead of Brown
With club captain Scott Brown out injured previously, Callum McGregor has been tasked with filling in for the veteran – and based on this display, he certainly made a case to make it a long-term thing. Brendan Rodgers put out the strongest team he could against Kilmarnock and unfortunately for Brown, that does not include him anymore. The 25-year-old was instrumental in this convincing win, and it looks like he is going to get the nod ahead of his teammate to start against Salzburg in the Europa League in mid week.
Forrest was on fire
There is really not anything bad you can say about the magnificent James Forrest, and he proved yet again what a talent he is developing into. The 5ft 9in [Transfermarkt] dazzler was on fire and the Kilmarnock defence just could not handle is skill and threatening pace. He was rather unlucky not to have netted a hat-trick, and if he maintains this type of form for the remainder of the season, then the title is surely going back to Celtic. He is in the form of his life – and there is no doubt that he will continue to blow the fans away week after week.
Izaguirre was capable cover for Tierney
Emilio Izaguirre was drafted into the starting line-up shortly before kick-off when Rodgers decided to rest Kieran Tierney, and it is safe to say that the Hoops have a very able replacement in the shape of the Honduran. The 5’10” left-back [Transfermarkt] was remarkable on Saturday despite the fact he came in so late on, and he demonstrated that he has not lost his touch – or his fitness – with such an assured display. Anyone who did not think that Celtic had depth at left-back, think again – because Izaguirre is your man. The flyer is well on the way to being this season’s surprise package for the Hoops.