Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Arab Strap v Celtic

THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 6.5/10 MOTM – You traditionally ask your Celtic keeper to do one thing – make the big saves in big moments. In this modern age, there’s a secondary requirement not so straightforward; being a sweeper and an instigator. First one, Kasper showed his class – fine saves that should have won us the match. Second, if there’s naysayers let them check the stats – a couple of strays amid a real conundrum for a member of the team not naturally outfield oriented. He’s had his difficulty curve steepened by the loss of a central defender. We’re now often asking a 39 year-old net-minder to thread needles most of our midfielders would shy at. Under these conditions, this current demand, I thought he acquitted himself well.

KATIE – 4/10 – Much like Hampden, a power of good all the opening spell. But the batteries run down faster these days and his influence was drowned in the half-time Cullen Skink.

TONY THE TIGER – 5/10 – Another who deserves a pass purely because you know there’s no way Tony was chucking it like some. Had a right battle on his hands with a tricky, wiry, Somalian winger which he handled manfully.

CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 5.5/10 – “I think we’re alone now,” sang the Christmas ghost of Tiffany into the big mhan’s ear. No Liam over his shoulder, just empty grass to Tony or KT. But the ethereal presence of his favourite irritating 80s popster emboldened the stoic American enough that he too managed a praiseworthy effort, getting stuck in; doing his best to stem the tide. One of the few.

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