When the team news was announced ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Ross County it did come as a bit of a shock to see that Brendan Rodgers had made eight changes to the team that reached the final of the League Cup.Significantly, the three survivors were all in defence but even there there was a change of position as Mikael Lustig moved inside to partner Erik Sviatchenko in the centre.Making wholesale switches, the onus was on each individual player to impress, which is a harder task in such circumstances than when slotting into an established, winning side.

For large chunks of the game, Ross County looked capable of taking something, but they found Craig Gordon in top form before Celtic enjoyed a late goal burst.

In the cold light of day, it's unlikely that last night's performance will have altered Rodgers' thinking for Saturday's match against Aberdeen, but the Bhoys boss has the reassurance of knowing that he has a handful of fringe players are ready to step in and maintain standards.

PATRICK ROBERTS

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The on-loan Manchester City kid started the game on fire last night, cutting in from the right flank to send a great shot past Scott Fox for the opening goal.

At times he seemed too intent on one touch, or one trick, too many but that's part of the deal with an incredibly skilled young player and is something that Rodgers and his coaching team will be working on.

Roberts was heavily involved in all of Celtic's best moments and is ready to step into the first-team and make an impact when needed.

STUART ARMSTRONG

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Things looked ominous for Armstrong when he was left out of the squad for the home tie with Hapoel Be'er Sheva then linked with a Deadline Day loan move to Ipswich Town not long ago.

Rodgers' man-management came to the fore when he brought him on in the 5-1 win over Rangers, replacing Tom Rogic to score the final goal of the game.

His recent appearances have been influential as he states a strong case to partner Scott Brown anchoring the midfield.

LIAM HENDERSON

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It would have been tempting to send the midfielder out on loan again but Rodgers is clearly a believer with the Hibs Scottish Cup hero starting the recent matches against Motherwell and Ross County.

Slotting a largely creative player into a strong running midfield isn't easy but there are touches and passes in Henderson's game that others can't supply.

With a heavy schedule of matches before the turn of the year, there will be more opportunities for Henderson to impress. He's not yet knocking on the door for a starting place but he's capable of coming in for the occasional match and making a useful contribution.

CRISTIAN GAMBOA

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The most low key of Rodgers' summer signings is discovering the realities of life at Celtic.

Concerns over Mikael Lustig's fitness and the fact that the Swede is in the final season of his contract will ensure that there are more chances given to the Costa Rican.

Michael Gardyne was a tough opponent to handle but Gamboa squared up well and backed up Roberts on the right wing as Celtic pushed forward.

EMILIO IZAGUIRRE

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Leicester's Riyad Mahrez in action with Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre
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The magic is no longer there but 'Izzy' is still good enough to come into the side and allow Kieran Tierney a night off.

All the old traits were on show: the enthusiasm, the misplaced crosses and debatable defending, but it can't be easy to come back from a World Cup to find your place taken by the former ball boy that is now on the wanted list of Europe's biggest clubs.

Izaguirre can be relied upon as a deputy but his final days as a regular highlighted the flaws in his game were being regularly exploited by opponents.