Celtic rev up for Rangers with festive Dundee doing but Carter-Vickers injury sparks derby day panic – 3 talking points

A first Celtic goal for Paulo Bernardo and Mikey Johnston’s first Hoops strikes in more than four years got the job done on Boxing Day in Dundee.

But the Parkhead men were also left with a Cameron Carter-Vickers Old Firm sweat after the big defender limped off after an hour at Dens. It was a solid victory in the end for Brendan Rodgers’ side but they threaten to make a meal of it at times. The Hoops carved open Dundee all day and served up numerous changes on a plate – but lacked the cutting edge to make it a festive stroll. To begin with, at least.

Bernardo pounced early in the second half and the three points were not in the bag until sub Johnston struck a double in the last seven minutes. It was sweet for the winger who last hit the net in December 2019 – and relief for the Hoops after toiling for so long in front of goal. Celts clocked up more than 30 attempts on goal – and had a season record of 23 corner kicks in a one-sided Boxing Day battering.

But the loss of Carter-Vickers was a real blow with Rangers heading to Parkhead in four days. The champions will go into the game with a five point lead in the Scottish Premiership after duffing up Dundee.

The hosts posed some mild peril on the counter in the first half but it was pretty much one way traffic. Liam Scales wasn’t far away with a looping headed effort and Alistair Johnston drilled one straight at Trevor Carson.

But Celtic really should have been ahead when Kyogo raced through on to Matt O’Riley’s terrific ball over the top, but the hitman tried to clip it early past the keeper and sent it wide instead. O’Riley was inches the wrong side of the post from the edge of the box moments later and Bernardo steered a header wide and Callum McGregor was blocked a