How every new signing fared on their SPFL Premiership debut

Joey Barton's Premiership debut didn't quite live up to its billing. Picture: GettyJoey Barton's Premiership debut didn't quite live up to its billing. Picture: Getty
Joey Barton's Premiership debut didn't quite live up to its billing. Picture: Getty

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

CRAIG Fowler runs the rule over the new signings that started the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership.

ABERDEEN

Joe Lewis - 8

Made a couple of reactionary stops from Graham Cummins and pulled off a tremendous stop to deny Danny Swanson scoring close to half-time. Aside from the midweek hiccup in Europe, which could be justifiably excused by a rotten pitch, Dons fans have been very impressed by the new goalkeeper.

Wes Burns - 5

Burns worked hard and made himself an option on the right during the first half, but his crossing left a bit to be desired, which is perhaps unsurprising as he’s a natural forward. Faded from the game and deservedly hooked on the hour.

Miles Storey - 6

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Put in a couple of tantalising balls in early before his crossing game suffered. Had more of a free role than Burns, his team-mate on the opposite flank, but he had a similarly minimal impact on proceedings.

Anthony O’Connor - 7

Twice he wasn’t quite in the right position, almost allowing Cummins to score. Apart from that he looked solid in the centre beside Mark Reynolds and will give manager Derek McInnes food for thought when Ash Taylor’s makes his next error.

CELTIC

Kolo Toure - 8

Lost Tony Watt for what looked certain to be the equalising goal before the ex-Celtic attacker somehow nodded his header wide. Toure was a rock at the back for his new club otherwise, constantly interrupting Hearts attacks.

Moussa Dembele - 6

Failed to build on the winner he netted against Astana in midweek with a fairly quiet performance. He did have one burst, getting around John Souttar and had his shot at an angle saved by Jack Hamilton.

DUNDEE

Michael Duffy - 8

The Celtic loanee provided pace and width on the right-hand side, characteristics lacking from the Dundee first team last year, and a terrific pass for Dundee’s third.

Mark O’Hara - 9

A revelation. The former Kilmarnock right back was placed in the No.10 role by Paul Hartley and produced a man-of-the-match performance. He bossed the game, chasing everything down and providing a high energy, high tempo, physical presence that Dundee have lacked.

James Vincent - 7

Another player who adds a physical dimension to Dundee’s play. He effectively shut off the service to Liam Boyce, who was acting as the link between County’s midfield and attack.

Danny Williams - 6

A fairly quiet game for Williams, but his value came in the cover he provided Kevin Holt on the left flank, which wasn’t always there last season, and in his ability to stretch the game. Replaced by El Bakhtaoui after seeing yellow.

HAMILTON

Remi Matthews - 7

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Made a couple of smart stops from distance but will feel he could have done more to prevent Martyn Waghorn equalising as the ball squirmed under his body.