Celtic are in absolutely ruthless form this preseason as having notched up nine goals against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, they nearly went and did the same today against Sunderland.
The 'Dafabet Cup' may have been the most pointless excuse for a cup ever created, but Brendan Rodgers' men played like they were really up for taking the trophy back to Glasgow as they found themselves 2-0 up inside 12 minutes.
In what was Aiden McGeady's first game for his new club, the Celtic supporters were out in force:
Magnificent away support from Celtic. Can't think of any fans who have travelled here in such numbers. #safc pic.twitter.com/x9gpoxuOFJ
— James Hunter (@JHunterChron) July 29, 2017
And they did not have to wait long to start the celebrations.
Callum McGregor pounced on a woeful bit of defending to get the ball rolling.
1-0 v sunderland, mcgregor pic.twitter.com/eSAxq3E0Ea
— goal for celtic (@goalforceltic) July 29, 2017
Shortly after, the Celtic fans were bouncing again.
If the first goal was woeful defending, there was nothing Sunderland could do about the 2nd as they were carved apart by some lovely passing play, eventually finished off by McGregor.
2-0 v sunderland, mcgregor pic.twitter.com/O77fe9mWJU
— goal for celtic (@goalforceltic) July 29, 2017
Ireland international Jonny Hayes was the man to make it 3 before half time, after he buried a half-volley from close range after the ball rebounded his way.
3-0 v sunderland, Hayes pic.twitter.com/tkU6ik0oZ9
— goal for celtic (@goalforceltic) July 29, 2017
The fourth goal came from the penalty spot, as McGregor bagged his hat-trick.
Do you take home the matchball if it's a friendly?
4-0 v sunderland pic.twitter.com/8QdruIWJ3A
— goal for celtic (@goalforceltic) July 29, 2017
Stuart Armstrong was the man to make it 5-0 after he lined up a long shot from a distance following a free-kick.
The Sunderland defending leaving a lot to be desired here.
5-0 v sunderland pic.twitter.com/Ezp2sKnB0q
— goal for celtic (@goalforceltic) July 29, 2017
And that was that. The Black Cats managed to stop the bleeding from then on and Celtic headed home as Dafabet Cup champions.
If Simon Grayson didn't know he had his work cut out for him before today, he does now, although his side are a few weeks behind Celtic in their preparations for the new season.
