Rodgers hails Celtic´s ´complete performance´ after thumping win

Brendan Rodgers has praised Celtic’s “complete performance” after they brushed Ross County aside 5-0 in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

They scored all five goals in a scintillating first-half display, with Luke McCowan orchestrating the victory as Celtic moved five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

He assisted Liam Scales’ opener from a corner in the 10th minute, before hitting in their second himself with a lovely finish on the spin.

Paulo Bernardo added their third from close range before McCown got back in on the act – he slid in Callum McGregor for a spectacular long-range strike before laying it off for Adam Idah to rifle home.

Celtic are now unbeaten in their last 28 domestic games, a run which stretches back to March, while they have now scored at least two goals in each of their last 22 matches in the league, scoring 67 goals in total.

“It was a complete performance. I said we didn’t want to wait on the game, and I thought we were outstanding on that front,” Rodgers said.

“In the second half, we could’ve had the same, but you have to give credit to Ross County. For a complete 90 minutes, that was so good on the back of a tough Champions League game in midweek.

Five goals & five clear for the Celts! #CELROS | #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/10FhbNXDIM

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 30, 2024

“All the guys who came in [after the Champions League meeting with Club Brugge in midweek] can be called starters. We need that competition and energy because we put so much into the games.”

Celtic also hit the woodwork three times in their dominant display as they racked up 25 shots worth 2.86 expected goals (xG).

McCowan was only responsible for two of those attempts, but he did create eight chances, more than double the next best on the pitch (Bernardo with four).

“He’s really settled in well,” Rodgers added when asked about McCowan. “He’s had to be patient. He gets his reward for how hard he works.

“It tells you everything about him that he comes in and for 70-odd minutes he’s so good with his pressing, energy and quality.”