For the fourth season in a row — and the 13th time in 14 attempts — Celtic are champions of Scotland.

After being pushed hard by Rangers last season, Brendan Rodgers’ side simply sped out of the gates this term and motored into the distance as their Ibrox rivals imploded once again.

While results and performances tailed off slightly once the destination of the crown was beyond question, it has undoubtedly been a satisfying campaign for the Parkhead side when European progress is taken into account.

KASPER SCHMEICHEL — 8

Danish goalkeeping great has proved to be a massive upgrade on predecessor Joe Hart, offering a far steadier presence between the sticks and, crucially, with ball at feet. His passing accuracy stands at 94 per cent, miles clear of his nearest rival in the Premiership. Shoulder injury suffered on international duty has left him sweating over a Scottish Cup final appearance but he can be very happy with his debut season at Parkhead.

VILJAMI SINISALO — 6

Stuck in the formidable shadow of Schmeichel — with the exception of a sole Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers — until the Dane’s injury, Sinisalo hasn’t put a foot wrong since taking the gloves. He will be pained by having the 1-0 league defeat at St Johnstone on his record, but he was helpless for Daniels Balodis’ thumping header. Big few weeks ahead if Schmeichel remains on the sidelines.

ALISTAIR JOHNSTON — 8.5

Canadian has been a mainstay at right-back and, at 26 years old, seems to be getting better and better. Always gets stuck in defensively but it’s going forward where he’s made the most impact this term, netting four goals and tying with team-mate Nicolas Kuhn for the most assists in the league with eight. Easy to see why he was rewarded with a new five-year deal in November, and why interest from other clubs this summer seems inevitable. 

ANTHONY RALSTON — 6

Celtic’s able deputy has played more minutes for Scotland (704) than he has for Celtic (564) in the league this season. Lacks the composure of Johnston but, for all the criticism that comes his way, has only failed be on winning side domestically once this season — in December’s 0-0 draw at Tannadice. Two goals and two assists — and potentially a Treble — to add to his impressive Celtic resume.

CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS — 8.5

With no one able to nail down the other centre-back slot beside him, Celtic must be so thankful for Carter-Vickers’ consistency. The American is a true leader at the back and has been an ever-present this term. Unfortunate own goal against Club Brugge was the low point of an otherwise strong Champions League campaign. He remains the best defender in Scotland. 

AUSTON TRUSTY — 5.5

£6m signing from Sheffield United was hoped to be the solution at centre-back alongside his fellow USA international Carter-Vickers, but has never proved himself anywhere near as reliable as his team-mate. Impressed in Europe at times but has seemed to struggle with the physicality of the Premiership, and has found Liam Scales favoured to himself since Celtic’s 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone. A lot to prove. 

LIAM SCALES — 5.5

Looked impressive enough early in the season but his Celtic career must have flashed before his eyes in a car-crash New Year Old Firm derby defeat at the hands of Rangers. The Irishman was all over the shop as Philippe Clement’s side finally bloodied the nose of their rivals with a 3-0 win. Had been lesser spotted until re-emerging alongside Carter-Vickers in the last few weeks.

MAIK NAWROCKI — 5

The Pole’s start in last month’s 3-2 league defeat to Barry Ferguson’s energised Rangers hit like a bolt from the blue, so far out of the picture had he been. The centre-half was actually one of Celtic’s best performers on the day and kept his shirt for the 3-0 win over Hearts that followed, but he has been back out of favour since. Likely to seek pastures new.

GREG TAYLOR — 7.5

Left-back stalwart has had his form and commitment called into question this season, but has seen off challenges to his starting berth from Alex Valle and more recently, Jeffrey Schlupp. Has registered seven assists in 24 league appearances. A model professional, Rodgers would surely love to keep him around as back-up for the returning Kieran Tierney. Taylor would walk into plenty of other teams though and has long since earned the right to explore options elsewhere. 

JEFFREY SCHLUPP — 5

January arrival offered prospect of fresh energy at left-back but he has failed to kick-on from his initial glimpses of quality. With Kieran Tierney returning in the summer and Rodgers still hoping to retain Taylor’s services, the Ghanaian is set to be remembered as nothing more than a perplexing short-term loan arrival.

ALEX VALLE — 4

Made 19 appearances in first half of season before having his loan agreement cancelled by Barcelona in favour of a short-term stint at Como in Serie A. Showed occasional promise but stop-start nature of his appearances prevented him from really making his mark. Celtic fans will monitor his development with interest from afar.

CALLUM McGREGOR — 9

Nobody sums up Celtic’s relentlessness in the last decade like this man. The captain has churned out another stellar campaign and can make it 25 major career honours with victory in the Scottish Cup final next month. The only surprise this year has been his goal haul, with 10 in all competitions representing his best return for a campaign – and a few of them have been crackers, too. A leader in every sense of the word. 

ARNE ENGELS — 7

All in all, it’s been a decent first campaign for the record signing. 10 goals in all competitions, with eight of those being penalties. Engels has also registered 12 assists, and his ability from dead-ball situations can’t be doubted. Plus it’s easy to forget the Belgian doesn’t turn 22 until September. Celtic fans are right to hope for more from open play in the future but he’s shown he can be a classy operator and his experiences this term should stand him in good stead going forward. 

REO HATATE — 8

Japanese midfielder has stepped up his game this term and looks like being the next profitable talent off the Parkhead conveyor belt, with clubs in England and beyond taking note. Comfortable with either foot, he has a graceful presence in the middle of the park and has added a real goal threat this term, with 10 strikes to his name so far.

PAOLO BERNARDO — 6

Midfielder has quietly progressed this term without without really bursting to prominence. Has slotted into the midfield effectively but would have wanted to make a bigger contribution in goal involvements. Would undoubtedly stand to benefit if the likes of Hatate were to move on but, regardless of any transfer activity, he will really have to stand up and make himself counted next term.

LUKE McCOWAN — 6.5

Deadline day signing from Dundee has done exactly what he was brought in to do, providing depth and versatility to Rodgers’ midfield options. Has chipped in with five goals and five assists across 29 league appearances, despite only making the starting XI on 12 of those occasions. Unenviable task of trying to break into a very settled midfield. 

JAMES FORREST — 6

Was enjoying a busy and productive season having featured in every game bar two Champions League encounters until an injury sustained against Rangers in the League Cup final led to him missing the first three months of this year. Still, he’s fit and firing again, poised for a fairytale finish where he will hope to add the Scottish Cup and stretch further clear as Celtic’s most decorated player, an honour he claimed outright with this title success.

NICOLAS KUHN — 7.5

The German started his first full season at Celtic on fire, having notched 16 goals and assisted 11 in all competitions by January 5. However, he’s scored just four since then. His double on a special night to help see off Leipzig was the highlight of an astonishing first half of the campaign. 

HYUN-JUN YANG — 6

South Korean has been a peripheral figure but enjoyed a purple patch at the start of this year, with five goals and four assists in the space of six games. He’s since reverted to a back-up role however and hasn’t got into the mix often despite plenty of recent rotation in the forward line. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him looking elsewhere for game-time come summer. 

LUIS PALMA — 3

Winger’s stock has plummeted more than anyone in Celtic ranks and it’s clear he has no future at the club. Honduran drew the ire of fans repeatedly in his limited appearances before being punted on loan to Olympiakos, where he has similarly failed to find any consistency or acclaim.

JOTA — 6.5

Emotional moment when he scored on his first appearance back in hoops. Hasn’t quite found a rhythm since and not been able to nail down a regular starting place. After a difficult couple of years since leaving for Saudi Arabia, his confidence and fitness will surely benefit from a full and settled pre-season. 

DAIZEN MAEDA — 9.5

Often does the running of two men and this year has done the scoring of several. Thirty-three goals and nine assists in all competitions is a phenomenal return. Many of those have come in big games too and he’s simply gone up another level since the departure of compatriot Kyogo. A danger all across the frontline, Maeda will be sprinting home with multiple awards in a few weeks’ time. 

KYOGO FURUHASHI — 7

Fan favourite struggled to make his mark in Europe again but still netted 10 goals in 22 Premiership appearances, adding to his incredible record in Old Firm matches with a super finish in September’s derby. The time — and price — felt right for him to move on in January, though, and it’s been a surprise to see a poacher of his quality struggle at Rennes since his move. 

ADAM IDAH — 6.5

Has struggled to justify his hefty transfer fee. Seventeen goals isn’t a disastrous return, but he’s been totally outshone by Maeda in the race to be Celtic’s main No 9. Received a vote of confidence from his manager recently and responded with a goal in the Scottish Cup semi-final. With plenty to prove, he’s bound to see more opportunities to stake his claim before season’s end. Club may already be looking at other options in the summer window, however. 

JOHNNY KENNY — 6

Irish striker deserves a high mark for his Conference League goalscoring exploits while on loan at Shamrock Rovers, with the 21-year-old bagging seven goals in total in an eye-catching European campaign. Would have hoped for more action after being recalled by Celtic but the form of Maeda has limited his chances. Needs a big pre-season to stake his claim and could yet be a real star.

MANAGER: BRENDAN RODGERS — 9

Got his wish by being backed financially in summer and kept his promise by ensuring long-awaited progress in Europe. Will have been concerned by recent derby displays but now stands one win away from an historic third treble as manager at Parkhead.