Celtic secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Ross County in Dingwall, with Kyogo Furuhashi scoring a brace and debutant Johnny Kenny playing a key role in the final goal.
Furuhashi, who was filling in for the injured Adam Idah on the right wing, showed his striking prowess, scoring once in each half. Despite a penalty from Ross County’s Jordan White, Furuhashi’s 81st-minute header put Celtic back in front before deep stoppage-time goals from Arne Engels and substitute Luke McCowan added further gloss to the scoreline.
The game marked a notable debut for Johnny Kenny, who had impressed during his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers. Kenny entered the match late, contributing to the buildup for McCowan’s goal in the dying seconds.
Celtic’s squad was stretched, with four wide players unavailable for selection. As a result, Furuhashi was deployed on the wing, a position unfamiliar to him, but he proved adaptable and lethal in front of goal. The Japanese forward’s first goal came in the 40th minute when he slotted home a perfect cross from Alistair Johnston.
The match was a cold affair, with temperatures dipping to -5°C. Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, visibly layered up for the conditions, was quickly tested, facing two early shots from Ross County after the visitors gave away possession on the frosty pitch. However, neither effort was on target.
The hosts had their moments too. Josh Nisbet’s skillful play set up Noah Chilvers, but the midfielder couldn’t convert with only Schmeichel to beat. Ross County also had a penalty shout rejected when Reo Hatate was knocked off balance by Elijah Campbell.
Celtic had another chance with Furuhashi failing to score from close range before opening the scoring just before halftime. His header in the 81st minute, following a cross from Engels, restored Celtic’s lead. Moments later, Engels took a retaken penalty after VAR intervention, and despite an initial save, the second attempt beat County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah.
McCowan wrapped up the victory in stoppage time, slotting home after the ball deflected off Kenny into his path.
With the win, Celtic extended their lead at the top of the William Hill Premiership, now 18 points clear, as they continue their dominant campaign.
