Relentless Celtic jump all over Ross County as Luke McCowan asks Rodgers the dream question – 5 talking points

Brendan Rodgers rotated his Celtic squad – and sent Ross County reeling in a relentless 5-0 rout to go five points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The Hoops boss made six changes to his team from Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Club Brugge.And FOUR of them notched before half-time as Celts raced to a 5-0 lead to bury the Highlanders before the break. Replacements Liam Scales, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah were all on target before Callum McGregor slammed in his sixth goal of the season – all from outside the box.

Mercifully for the visitors, the onslaught eased after the interval with County sub keeper Jack Hamilton keeping the score down with a succession of stunning saves. Celts were frustrated at not adding to the scoreline but delighted to put daylight between themselves and the Dons – and open up a massive 14 point gap on rivals Rangers. There was never any doubt here.

The pressure was on from the first whistle and Celtic were in front inside the opening 10 minutes when Scales thumped his header from McCowan’s corner in off the underside of the bar. The same two players reversed roles for the second on 26 minutes when Scales scooped over the backline for the midfielder to pull it out of the air, turn and fire past Ross Laidlaw with the aid of a little nick on the way.

Goals three and four arrived in double quick time with Bernardo burying at the second bite after Daizen Maeda’s graft at the touchline. Then McGregor stepped up with another screamer from 25 yards to keep the festive party in full swing.

County were done again before the break when Idah curled in a cracker from the edge of the box. County keeper Ross Laidlaw was forced off injured while Rodgers gave Maeda a rest and sent out