Celtic beat Falkirk as Haitham Hassan makes first start

Celtic moved to the top of the Scottish league with a 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park, while Egypt international Haitham Hassan made his first start for the club.

Camilo Duran scored both of Celtic’s goals in the fourth round of the competition. Falkirk’s only goal came through an own goal by Celtic defender Colby Donovan.

Hassan played for 63 minutes in his first appearance in the starting line-up since joining Celtic. He had featured for the club previously, but only as a substitute.

Celtic thought they had taken the lead after only four minutes when Duran capitalised on an error by the Falkirk goalkeeper. However, the referee initially ruled out the goal for a foul.

Following a review by the video assistant referee, the decision was overturned and Celtic were awarded the opening goal, allowing the home side to establish an early advantage.

Celtic doubled their lead in the 29th minute. Kieran Tierney found space behind the Falkirk defence before delivering an accurate cross towards Duran, who finished the move by putting the ball into the net.

Falkirk reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute after Ben Parkinson took advantage of a mistake in the Celtic defence and went through on goal. His shot was saved by the Celtic goalkeeper, but the ball rebounded off Donovan and went into the home side’s net.

The visitors were unable to find an equaliser, leaving Celtic with an important victory and nine points at the top of the Scottish league. Celtic have played one fewer match than some of their rivals because of their involvement in continental competition.

Celtic will return to league action on Wednesday when they face Aberdeen in the fifth round. Falkirk will also be in action on the same day, against Rangers in the same round.

The result leaves Celtic in first place after four rounds, with Duran’s two goals proving decisive despite Falkirk’s late attempt to fight back. For Hassan, the match marked a significant step after previous appearances from the bench, as he was included in the starting XI for the first time.