Cameron Carter-Vickers made his return to the Celtic starting eleven as the reigning Premiership champions started the new season with a win over Ross County.
Celtic 4-2 Ross County
Celtic picked up where they left off from last season’s domestic treble by recording their first win of the new campaign over Ross County at Celtic Park.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, who had only returned to the team following season-ending knee surgery, made a surprise start, completing 96 percent of his passes, winning three duels, and making one tackle.
The hosts got their first chance to open the scoring in the first half when the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty when Ross County’s Josh Sims tripped up Greg Taylor. David Turnbull stepped up to convert the spot-kick in the 17th minute. Kyogo Furuhashi doubled their lead nine minutes later when Liel Abada’s low cross found the Japanese international in the box to steer the ball into the goal.
Turnbull doubled his tally on the day in the 42nd minute. Matthew O’Riley was somehow able to cross the ball near the end line and the Scottish midfielder was there to finish with a half-volley.
Entering the second half, Ross County was able to pull one back in the 60th minute when Jordan White’s looping header from a corner kick just got over the goal line.
However, Celtic was able to restore their three-goal lead in the 73rd minute with O’Riley providing the final nail in the game. Carter-Vickers sent the ball to Furuhashi who flicked it over to his teammate to slam home.
James Brown scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, but the damage was already down as the Bhoys started the defense of the league title in fine fashion.
Notes
Elsewhere in Premiership action, Dante Polvara started and played the full 90 for Aberdeen as they played out a 0-0 tie with Livingston.
Joe Efford made his return for Motherwell after a long injury layoff as he came on in the 88th minute in their 1-1 tie with Dundee.
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