Luke McCowan scores against Ross CountyImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan scored one and assisted three in an impressive display

Manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the impact of Luke McCowan after the midfielder scored one and assisted three as five-goal Celtic stormed to a five-point lead at the Scottish Premiership summit by dismantling Ross County.

Rodgers made six changes to the side that started Wednesday's Champions League draw with Club Brugge, which only underlined his squad depth as each player drafted in made a positive impact.

The standout was McCowan, whose corner set up Liam Scales to power in a near-post header before the former Dundee midfielder, making his first start in a month, smashed in a deflected effort on the spin.

McCowan provided the final pass for captain Callum McGregor to slam in a stunning 20-yard strike - his sixth league goal of the season - just a minute after Paulo Bernardo had netted a third from close range.

And a clinical first period was capped off by a thumping finish from Adam Idah, who was also assisted by McCowan, as Celtic extended their unbeaten domestic run to 28 games, stretching back to March.

"He's really settled in well," Rodgers said of 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."

Despite the chastening defeat, County remain eighth as their away day woes continue.

Their only real opportunity came through Joshua Nisbet, who lashed a big chance to level over the bar before the visitors collapsed at Celtic Park.

McCowan deserving of more prominent role?

The embarrassment of riches at Rodgers' disposal was highlighted by the fact five of the six players who came into the starting line-up scored goals in a scintillating first half.

McCowan was the most impressive of that group and the 26-year-old must be seriously knocking on the door of a Scotland call-up.

There is also nothing to suggest the ex-Dundee captain is not ready to start more regularly for the league leaders following a shrewd summer move from Dens Park.

Double figures would not have flattered Celtic, who have now scored at least two goals in each of their last 22 league games.

The County woodwork was hit three times after the break by a visiting defender, Greg Taylor and Idah, who was also denied twice by substitute goalkeeper Jack Hamilton.

The only lingering negative on a positive day for the league leaders is the fact there were no academy prospects on the bench, especially given it was a match they could have received valuable game-time in.

Another miserable away day for County

County's season will not hinge on defeats at Celtic Park, but their potential is being severely limited by a woeful run of form away from home.

They have not won in 24 league games on the road, with their last away Premiership victory dating back more than a year ago against Kilmarnock in September 2023.

Although Celtic passed up a catalogue of chances to extend their advantage in the second half, Don Cowie will take a crumb of positivity from the fact his team did not concede after the interval.

They have Hamilton to thank for that, the substitute keeper pulling off a string of fine stops from Idah and Alex Valle after replacing the injured Ross Laidlaw.

What they said

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Rodgers delighted with Celtic's 5-0 win over Ross County

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "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.

"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.

"All the guys who came in can be called starters. We need that competition and energy because we put so much into the games."

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "I've been in that scenario as a player, I recognise the challenges, you feel like you can't breathe and the pressure becomes too much.

"It's a massive gap. It's about realism and recognising that, but it doesn't mean you don't face the challenge face-on and give the best version of yourself."

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Ross County boss Cowie recognises 'massive gap' with Celtic