Match Pictures | Matches: 2023 – 2024
Trivia
- KO: 3pm Saturday; BBC & Premier Sports TV;
- Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park
- Celtic seal the league & Scottish Cup double;
- Celtic win the Scottish Cup for record 42nd time.
- What a great day the 25th of May is for Celtic. The Bhoys’ record on the day now reads: * Five cup finals played * Five cup finals won (1895, 1918, 1967, 2019, 2024). A 118th Major Trophy
- Both sides were going for a domestic double (Celtic had won the league and Sevco the league cup). Celtic fans serenade the team with YNWA at the final whistle, very emotional and beautiful moment.
- First ever meeting between Celtic and TheRangers in a Scottish Cup final.
- Joe Hart’s final first team competitive match.
- Sevco said to have handed back circa 4k tickets for Scottish Cup Final. Their fans have been in revolt recently.
- Celtic had a penalty call turned down (even though it was practically unarguable and wasnt’ even VAR referred), but Sevco rightly had a goal ruled out due to a push/foul on Joe Hart.
- Around 40 former match officials upset after a traditional Scottish Cup final invite was withdrawn due to concerns over “security and segregation”. If they want a ticket they can wait in the queue and buy one like the rest of us.
- Reports: Offered improved terms to Daniel Kelly & Rocco Vata.Vata out of contract next month with Kelly’s deal expiring at year end, both offered 4 year deals. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels (on a free).West Ham & Atletico Madrid to bid for Matt O’Riley, while Brighton & Everton also keen. RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen. Stephen Welsh possibly to Steau Bucharest. Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Irakli Azarovi. Ghanaian teenager Aziz Musibau for 1.2m. Possible new bid for Besiktas’ Ghana midfielder Daniel Amartey.
- Former Hamilton player and Partick Thistle manager (& close friend of ex-Celt Tommy Burns) Gerry Collins passed away. A big Celtic man too. RIP.
- Ex Celt Tony Mowbray told Birmingham City that he will stand down as first team manager with immediate effect. He has been out for a while now due to health reasons, continuing his recovery from surgery. We wish him all the strength in the world.
- Ex-Celt Neil Lennon returns to management with Romanian side FC Rapid Bucharest.
- Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Greg Taylor & Anthony Ralston named in Scotland provisional squad for Euro 2024.
- Politics: UK general election announced for 4 July.
- Scottish Swimming legend David Wilkie has died, aged 70. David, a Scottish sporting trailblazer, stunned the world of swimming when he won Olympic gold & set a new world record in 1976.
- Celtic centre-back duo Dane Murray & Lenny Agbaire signed new two-year deals, extending their stays until at least 2026.
Summary
‘Nowhere else on planet I’d want to play….“The three years here have been beautiful”
Joe Hart
“We just kind of kicked it into gear for this business end of the season.”
Alistair Johnston
“On top of the world. Amazing game, cup final, two teams going at it. Probably a bit nervy, not massive quality in the game but listen, in cup finals, you only need one moment and that moment dropped to us and the big man [Adam Idah] stuck it away brilliantly, composed finish,”
Calmac
“Celtic is that connection between the supporters, the players, the manager,”
Brendan Rodgers pre match
“We have a humility in how we work. You can never have that arrogance. We respect every opponent we play, whether it’s Rangers, Raith or whoever. From a football perspective there’s no different approach to this game than the other four in the league, we want to impose ourselves. For the supporters it’s everything. They live their life for Celtic. To deliver it for them would be great. Any final is always a challenge, a Celtic-Rangers final is a great occasion, but for us it’s focusing on our game and how we can win it.”
Brendan Rodgers pre match
“We’re so happy… The will of the players and the desire of the players was immense…”
Brendan Rodgers reacts to Celtic’s Scottish Cup final
We can’t take away what The Scottish Cup means for this club and for our supporters.”
Brendan Rodgers
“All the Celtic defenders were grabbing my players, having their arms around their neck and around their waist…”
Sevco manager Philippe Clement believes that it was ‘brave’ for VAR to chop Abdallah Sima’s goal off as he felt Celtic played with a certain physicality
Joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki:
Over the Moon! This caps off another very eventful season, with Celtic capping off the league season with another cup trophy to give us a double, showing the continued dominance of the side.
This match admittedly was very nervy, and actually not a high quality one to watch, with both goalkeepers little challenged throughout much of the game.
Celtic were cheated out of a certain penalty after a handball, which bizarrely was not long reviewed by VAR, balanced in part by that Sevco rightly had a goal ruled out after they scored from a corner, due to a push on Hart in the buidup. So mixed day with VAR.
There was a lot of work being done by the players, but some of Celtic’s key players did not turn up today for example Hatate & O’Reilly were mostly anonymous with Kyogo given little service.
The suprise game change was probably Bernardo who came on late in the game, and took the bull by the horns at the death of the match by taking ball from near the half way line and driving down to the opposition box to take a low hard & awkward shot for the goalkeeper show spilled it for Idah to take advantage and send Celtic into raptures. A brilliant moment!
Through the match Celtic were probably on balance the better side, but there’s no denying that Sevco were well in it also and had their dominant periods too. There was just so little spark in this game from the general players.
The full time whistle saw the fans explode into joy, with a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to Hart and potentially Matt O’Reilly. The YNWA sang to the players & coaching team as they lined up in front of the support was beautiful to watch.
Happy days once again.
CaI @caim67 · 13h Bernardo was exactly what we needed today and arguably needed him earlier than what we got him. Should do everything to sign him. 22 years of age and has talent in abundance, far from the finished article but really talented.
CaI @caim67 · 11h It was clear Bernardo came on & was determined to change the game, it showed in everything he done. None more so than the goal To ride the tackle and not go down & then there’s only one thing in his mind as he gets towards the box & it’s to test Butland.
Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland: “This has been the quietest build up to a Scottish Cup Final, ever.
Lisbon Lion @tirnaog_09 · 11h Bernardo go a bit of movement on the ball at the goal which caught Butland out. Much as Idah took took his goal well & Joe Hart had the perfect send off, I thought Carter Vickers was a colossus again.
Yatao @yataoda4 · 4h Every time I witness how Celtic fans support the team, that impresses me. You’re always backing the club, and have made wonderful histories with them. And you made it again. I realized once again Celtic family is amazing group. So proud of all of you
jbj712 of KDS:
Take winning the cup like that every day of the week but overall the game was diabolical.
Huns were scared of getting pumped so opted for defending with 6 or 7 men and looked for long high balls to use their physical strength.
Wether it was the pitch or the wrong studs we were shockingly poor and so slow in our build up that we made a game of it.
So many of our guys were well below par that there is no way we should have won but that perhaps tells you how bad these Huns actually are.
Pleased for the big lad from Cork who looked as if he really enjoyed that goal and the celebrations at the end.
Pass marks for Hart, CCV, McGregor and perhaps Taylor the rest not so much.
Rodgers might not be my particular cup of tea but by the Good Lord he does have a fantastic record at Hampden and against the Huns.
If the board are not prepared to back him after today providing more evidence of his ability to deliver domestically then he should walk away from them.
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
1, J. Hart 59′, Yellow Card at 59 minutes
2, A. Johnston
3, G. Taylor 73′, Yellow Card at 73 minutes
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain41′, Yellow Card at 41 minutes
20, C. Carter-Vickers
5, L. Scales
33, M. O’Riley
41, R. Hatate substituted for Paulo Bernardo at 78 minutes
8,K. Furuhashisubstituted for A. Idah at 62 minutes
49,J. Forrest 68′, Yellow Card at 68 minutessubstituted for N. Kühn at 71 minutes
38, D. Maeda 90’+4, Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 4
Subs:
7, L. Palma
9, A. Idah 63′, Yellow Card at 63 minutes
10, N. Kühn 90’+1, Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 1
17, M. Nawrocki
24, T. Iwata
28, Paulo Bernardo
29, S. Bain
56, A. Ralston
57, S. Welsh
Goals:
- A. IdahGoal 90 minutes
Assists:
- Bernardo (90 Mins)
Sevco
Manager: Philippe Clement
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
1, J. Butland
2, J. Tavernier (c), Captain
3, R. Yılmaz 84′, Yellow Card at 84 minutes
43, N. Raskin 90’+2, Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 2 substituted for J. Lundstram at 94 minutes
27, L. Balogun
26, B. Davies
21, D. Sterling 62′, Yellow Card at 62 minutes substituted for R. McCausland at 81 minutes
42, M. Diomandé
9, C. Dessers substituted for A. Sima at 46 minutes
13, T. Cantwell 74′, Yellow Card at 74 minutes substituted for S. Wright at 74 minutes
7,Fábio Silva substituted for R. Matondo at 74 minutes
Subs:
4, J. Lundstram
8, R. Jack
17, R. Matondo
19, A. Sima 54′, Yellow Card at 54 minutes
20, K. Dowell
23, S. Wright
28, R. McCrorie
45, R. McCausland
93, C. McKinnon
Goals:
Assists:
Ref: Nick Walsh Fourth official: Steven McLean VAR: John Beaton Assistant VAR: David McGeachie
Att: 49000
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Celtic
Sevco
Overall Possession
Celtic 63.4%Sevco 36.6%
Shots
Celtic 8Sevco 11
Shots on target
Celtic 4Sevco 4
Shots off target
Celtic 1Sevco 1
Blocked shots
Celtic 3Sevco 6
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 4Sevco 3
Fouls
Celtic 13Sevco 19
Corners
Celtic 3Sevco 11
Articles
Joe Hart says farewell in spectacular fashion: reasons for retirement, Celtic love and big Rangers moment
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/joe-hart-says-farewell-in-spectacular-fashion-reasons-for-retirement-celtic-love-and-big-rangers-moment-4642862
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Published 25th May 2024, 22:30 BST
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The goalkeeper does not have second thoughts about hanging up gloves
This was quite the way for Joe Hart to bring the curtain down on a stellar career.
The 37-year-old is now retired, his final act being to help Celtic overcome Rangers to win the Scottish Cup. Hart has 75 England caps to his name, 549 senior appearances and a trophy haul the envy of many a goalkeeper. Seven of them have come during his three-season stint at Celtic. He hangs up his gloves with his head held high.
“I’m all drained out,” admitted Hart. “I’m just happy that we won. I know it’s the end of my career but my focus was on this game and it’s so important to the club to keep winning. To double up the title with the Scottish Cup is a special feeling.”
Joe Hart lifts the Scottish Cup after the 1-0 win over Rangers.
Joe Hart lifts the Scottish Cup after the 1-0 win over Rangers.
Amid all the emotion, Hart was asked if he has second thoughts. “I haven’t,” he replied. “It’s not an emotional decision, I made it earlier in the season because it just felt the right time. Physically it wasn’t a question but it felt the right time as a family …
“I’m comfy with it and it’s someone else’s turn. There’s nobody else I’d want to play for on the planet other than this club. When I realised it wasn’t going to be the case in terms of going back home and get on with life, from that point of view it was the right decision.”
There was a heart-stopping moment for Hart, however. Farewells are never straightforward. On 59 minutes, with the score locked at 0-0, James Tavernier flung in a corner, Hart went to punch the ball but missed it, and Abdallah Sima tapped home to seemingly put Rangers ahead. The goalkeeper had felt a push in his back when going for the ball, he just wasn’t totally sure who it had done it.
“Your heart is always in your mouth because I didn’t know who pushed me,” he said. “I felt set for the cross and as soon as I got ready to deal with it someone pushed me. I didn’t think someone in my team would do that. I was confident someone pushed me, it was just whether it was a Celtic or Rangers player.”
Hart claims for a foul after Rangers’ goal – which was given by VAR.
Hart claims for a foul after Rangers’ goal – which was given by VAR.
It was Nicolas Raskin, Rangers’ midfielder, and the heart-in-mouth moment was remedied by VAR. The rest is history, with Adam Idah netting on 89 minutes to settle a scrappy final.
Not that the aesthetics bother Hart. He signs off having had the time of his life at Celtic Park. “I came here to win, this club wants to win and so do I,” he said. “I will have to remove myself from that crazy way of thinking and living. Ultimately I just feel love and respect and a lot of passion towards this place.
“It’s ingrained in the walls and the people who come to support us. That fanbase is superb. It doesn’t just turn up and cheer and sing. It expects when you play with passion and with desire to work for the badge they get behind you. When we’re together as one it’s hard to stop.
“This place has made me feel so special. The manager, players know it’s coming to an end for me but those boys have made me feel so special. They have made an old boy happy and I’ll be forever grateful. Of course I will miss Celtic. It goes without saying. But I will have to wait for that crash and comedown.
“I’m an emotional guy. I play with my heart on my sleeve. I’m probably more emotional when I’m happy, not so much when I’m sad. I shed a tear at the final whistle, pure joy, sheer happiness and very proud.”
Celtic-Rangers verdict: Can Rodgers keep Ibrox, the cruel denouement, pitch invasion and telling family section
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-rangers-verdict-can-rodgers-keep-ibrox-the-cruel-denouement-pitch-invasion-and-telling-family-section-4642873
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 25th May 2024, 21:33 BST
Updated 25th May 2024, 22:27 BST
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Celtic were far from their best against Rangers – yet they still left Hampden with the Scottish Cup
Brendan Rodgers will surely be permitted to keep Rangers soon. In the meantime, his team retain possession of the Scottish Cup to further enhance the Celtic manager’s remarkable success rate in this fixture. It now stands at just one defeat against Rangers in 18 meetings over two spells.
Philippe Clement is now firmly lodged at the other end of the scale. Failure to win any of the first four Old Firm appointments doesn’t sound like a recipe for success for a Rangers or Celtic manager and the pressure on the Belgian is growing considerably. All eyes will be on the first meeting next season. It’s already bordering on must-win territory for Clement.
Rodgers has lost none of his Old Firm alchemy during his time away. Even when his team are a clear second best they find a way to prevail. It seems he can do no wrong. Rodgers plucks a striker from England who is unable to get a game for Norwich City and he turns into a cup-final hero with a last-minute winner on the 57th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with the Scottish Cup.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with the Scottish Cup.
Step forward Adam Idah, whose last act of his Celtic career might have been to secure the double for the Parkhead club. Even Rodgers could not bring himself to claim afterwards that he had reminded the players of the significance of the date. “I’d be lying if I said I talked about that,” he said, “because I didn’t. I think the significance for us will come afterwards. This is an iconic date that’s synonymous with this club and always will be, but this will join it.”
Idah knows he won’t ever find himself as revered as European Cup heroes like Stevie Chalmers and Tommy Gemmell – indeed, he might not ever become a perman ent Celtic player. That remains to be resolved this summer. Whatever happens in terms of his future, he wrote himself into the history books by being first to react after Jack Butland failed to cope with substitute Paulo Bernardo’s drive, pushing it back out at Idah’s feet. The striker drilled into the net.
How cruel this was on the Rangers goalkeeper, the Ibrox side’s standout performer this season. He cut a lonely figure at the end and was comforted by Joe Hart, his opposite number and compatriot and whose career ended here on a high and with a clean sheet. It was an emotional snapshot away from the primary focus of many people’s attention, which was some evidence of simmering resentment between players carried over from the 90 minutes. The scuffling quickly petered out. It was never really that kind of game.
The knife was twisted after the final whistle for Rangers as Celtic fans spilled onto the running track at their end in scenes that recalled – although were not nearly as exuberant – the aftermath of Hibs’ memorable Scottish Cup final victory over the Ibrox side in 2016. The presentation had to be delayed until these supporters returned to their seats. The Rangers players stood around looking forlorn before Clement gathered them around for a quick debrief. Not so long ago the tantalising prospect of a treble was in the gift of this set of players, although it must be acknowledged that several potential difference-makers were sitting in the family section of the south stand with their loved ones, Connor Goldson and John Souttar among them. Maybe one of this sidelined centre-half pairing would have reacted faster following Butland’s fumble, or prevented Bernardo running so freely at a tired Rangers backline.
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin looks dejected at full time as manager Philippe Clement approaches him.
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin looks dejected at full time as manager Philippe Clement approaches him.
The inquest can wait. Rangers quickly departed down the tunnel after picking up their losers’ medals once the security green light was given. The way was now clear for Celtic to ascend the stairs, which was a welcome return of the traditional arrangement of presenting the trophy. It was awarded to Celtic on a podium on the pitch 12 months ago after their victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Still, it doesn’t matter where they receive cups, as long as they get them. “I knew I had to win,” said Rodgers later. “You have to win at Celtic.” With this victory a profound realignment takes place: Celtic join Rangers on 118 major trophies. They will aim to equal the Ibrox side’s 55 top-flight titles next season. Who would bet against them?
Celtic even win when not playing well. Rangers were better but their performance still underlined their flaws, mainly an inability to take chances. The occasion might have demanded a classic but the teams stubbornly refused to provide one in the 150th year of the Scottish Cup.
There was a goal chopped off in the first one, too, back in 1874, though not due to VAR. Clydesdale were the team denied and Queen’s Park eventually claimed a trophy, the same one Callum McGregor and Hart lifted here, with a 2-0 win. Rangers were left lamenting the introduction of pitch-side technology, after substitute Abdallah Sima kneed the ball in from a James Tavernier corner. Replays later showed Nicolas Raskin placing two hands on Hart’s back.
Celtic’s Joe Hart takes a picture of the squad.
Celtic’s Joe Hart takes a picture of the squad.
Amid the drama of the disallowed goal, Kyogo Furuhashi sneaked off barely unnoticed – as he had been in the preceding 62 minutes – to be replaced by Idah. There was ferment in the stands, as both sets of fans dealt with the quick shift in emotions. Rodgers remained coolly decisive. He switched his strikers and changed the course of the game, although Rangers still created half-chances. Sima fluffed a shot and Raskin fizzed the ball across goal that Cameron Carter-Vickers prodded to safety.
The benched John Lundstram resisted any urge to sulk on from the sidelines and cheered Rangers on as heartily as anyone as he warmed up. He was sent on in the final moments as Hampden continued digesting what everyone knew had been the decisive moment courtesy of the alert Idah. It was the classic sucker-punch. There was no coming back from Rangers. They had given everything and it still wasn’t enough.
Lundstram’s entrance felt more like the keeping of a promise than a genuine move to try to save the game in the brief time there was left. The Liverpudlian has now played his final game for the club, as have others, including, perhaps, the ineffectual Todd Cantwell, who was replaced after 72 minutes and got booked for mouthing off at Greg Taylor before departing. Things must change at Ibrox.
Celtic-Rangers reaction: Forward urges club to sign ‘brilliant’ striker but reveals one potential issue
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-rangers-reaction-pundits-have-say-after-dramatic-late-goal-adam-idah-secures-hoops-domestic-double-4642813
By Graham Falk
Published 25th May 2024, 19:25 BST
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A permanent move to Celtic for Hampden hero Adam Idah would represent ‘good value’ for the Hoops, claims one former Hoops favourite.
Ex-Celtic winger Shaun Maloney has urged the club to make Adam Idah’s loan move a permanent one after his 90th-minute goal saw them defeat Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.
A tight game at Hampden Park saw Celtic run out 1-0 winners after the striker tapped home from close range in the final minute when Paulo Bernardo’s long-range drive was spilled by Jack Butland. Idah will now return to parent club Norwich City but Maloney believes Celtic must try to bring him back permanently in the summer.
“He’s very good,” Maloney told Premier Sports. “He’s under contract at Norwich. They’ll have a new manager in place. It won’t be easy (keeping Idah at Celtic). But he has been brilliant.”
Idah himself was coy on his own future when he was interviewed on the Hampden pitch post-game, saying: “It was such an intense game. One of the biggest games in the world but an exciting end and it was great game. To get the goal is amazing.
“This is different class. You’re not going to get this support at many other clubs. It is unbelievable to play for a club like this. I’m still contracted to Norwich. Football is a tricky situation and I’ll go back in the summer, have my time and who knows what is going to happen. I love the club. I have always supported the club. Who knows.”
Current Wigan Athletic manager Maloney believes retaining the Republic Of Ireland man would provide Celtic a huge boost ahead of next season – though he revealed there could be one particular roadblock. “If they could keep him, it would be really good for the squad,” said Maloney. “When he came, there were questions. He wasn’t playing much at Norwich. He has a very different profile from Kyogo. I’m sure the club would love to do it (sign him). You could tell slightly from the boy himself, he’s having a great time here. But you will have to wait and see – it won’t be a small fee.”
While it was the 23-year-old striker who took the headlines, ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon believes praise for the 1-0 victory should go Celtic’s old guard, who he felt were vital in the Scottish Cup victory. “It’s a difficult game,” explained Lennon to Viaplay Sports. “You’re at the end of the season and there’s a lot riding on it but I thought some of the senior players like Alistair Johnston had a great game today.
“He had to, he was up against both (Fabio) Silva and then (Rabbi) Matondo. But he stayed strong, even towards the end. That experience gets you over the line sometimes. I think Joe (Hart) has come up in this second half of the season with some really big saves and he has finished his career on a double. He can look back on his career with an enormous amount of pride now.
“Brendan came here on the back of a lot of acrimony and has won two trophies so it is his time again now.”
Celtic board tasked with signing Rangers slayer Adam Idah – but there could be stumbling blocks
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 25th May 2024, 19:10 BST
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-board-tasked-with-signing-rangers-slayer-adam-idah-but-there-could-be-stumbling-blocks-4642853
Comments
Rodgers keen to keep hold of his Scottish Cup hero as loan spell comes to end
Brendan Rodgers will refuse to take no for an answer as he prepares to hand his board the responsibility of prising Adam Idah from Norwich City on a permanent deal.
The striker has probably added a few hundred thousand pounds to his fee having scored the goal that saw Celtic clinch the Scottish Cup against Rangers and secure another double. It’s believed a sum of around £6 million will be enough to land Idah. Wages might prove the biggest stumbling block, although the 23-year-old will be desperate to come and enjoy his hero status at Parkhead.
The Celtic manager has put the ball firmly in the court of the club’s hierarchy. Rodgers outlined what Idah has accomplished in his short time at the club since joining on loan from Carrow Road in January. He has now struck nine times, including the goal that sent Celtic on the way to clinching the title against Kilmarnock earlier this month. His latest goal left Rangers flat out on their backs after he pounced in the last minute to win a Scottish Cup final where Celtic were second best for large parts of the game. Rangers ‘keeper Jack Butland failed to cope with a Paulo Bernardo shot and Idah drilled in the rebound.
The jubilant Celtic players lift the Scottish Cup. Pic: Lisa Ferguson
The jubilant Celtic players lift the Scottish Cup. Pic: Lisa Ferguson
“The board know how I feel on Adam, that was the reason for bringing him in,” said Rodgers, when asked about his intentions with regards to the on-loan 23 year-old. “He’s been a real catalyst for us, especially over the last few months. I knew what I was getting because I’d seen him in the Premier League at 18. He has all the attributes. He’s fast, dynamic, strong and I felt with better positioning he’d get goals.
“What he’s done since coming in is show that he’s a goalscorer. He gets different types of goals. He has great movement in the box and he deals with pressure moments. Today, he was like a real number nine sniffing in and around the box. He’s been absolutely immense for us and he’s clearly someone I’d like to do something with.
“I’ve seen development in him and that’s what the game’s about – players improving. I just know with Adam that he’s got such a high ceiling. The Premier League is the most competitive league in world football and you need a certain level of physicality.”
“His confidence has never wavered,” he added. “He’s been a brilliant team player – I speak to Cal (McGregor) and the other guys and Adam is such a good guy. All the players love him. But what I love about him is that he’s a big game player. There are so many big moments when he’s stepped up to the plate for us. So I was so, so happy for him. He’s a boy from Ireland, playing as a striker and scoring a goal in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Wow – what a summer he’ll have.”
Celtic’s Adam Idah (left) celebrates scoring the winner.
Celtic’s Adam Idah (left) celebrates scoring the winner.
Rodgers admitted that the double still holds a cache for him even if some would contend it has lost some of its lustre in recent decades. It is the 13th time the Parkhead club have clinched the Scottish Cup and the league title in the same season.
“The league and Scottish Cup were virtually aligned for me over many years growing up in terms of their importance,” he said. “And obviously with the Champions League and the money and everything else has made the title a bit more prestigious.
“However, the Scottish Cup and the history of this club with it means it is still so, so important and you could see that in the game and with the supporters at the end. I know my job here and that’s to protect the rich history of this club whilst continuing to write the chapter of this team and win trophies.”
Celtic double down and win Scottish Cup with late Adam Idah goal
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/may/25/celtic-double-down-and-win-scottish-cup-with-late-winner/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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25 May 2024, 6:10 pm
Scottish Cup final
May 25, 2024
Hampden Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 1
(Idah 89)
RANGERS… 0
Celtic have won the Scottish Cup for the 42nd time after defeating Rangers 1-0 in today’s final at Hampden Park.
Adam Idah’s dramatic late goal to win the game will live long in the memory of everybody connected to Celtic Football Club, and the Irishman’s strike means that Celtic have won the league and Scottish cup double for the 13th time in the club’s history.
The first half didn’t present a lot of big opportunities for either side, with the first chance of the match coming with eight minutes played.
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ long ball to Daizen Maeda on the left wing was controlled by the forward before he crossed it in to the box. Kyogo got in to a good position at the front post but was unable to direct the ball goalward.
Ten minutes later, Joe Hart was called in to action when a slip from Alistair Johnston allowed Fabio Silva the opportunity to have a shot at goal. Hart, on his final professional appearance, was equal to the shot and kept the game level.
The main talking point of the first half came with just under 25 minutes played.
Greg Taylor’s ball in to the box hit the arm of Ben Davies, and it looked like a definite penalty. Referee Nick Walsh had awarded a corner, and after a VAR review, that decision stood.
Just a minute later, Cameron Carter-Vickers came up with a big challenge in the box to deny the opposition a shot at goal.
63%
Possession
37%
8
Shots
11
4
Shots On Target
4
3
Corners
11
13
Fouls
19
7
0
Cards
5
0
Early in the second half, James Forrest cut in from the right wing and burst in to the box, but the winger was unable to get a clean shot at goal.
Just before the hour mark, Rangers thought they had made the breakthrough after James Tavernier’s corner found its way to Abdallah Sima who headed it in to the net.
The celebrations were short-lived though, as a VAR review showed that Joe Hart had been fouled by Nicolas Raskin in the build-up and so the goal was correctly disallowed.
The Ibrox side carved out other chances in the second half but their inability to make them count, combined with Celtic’s determination in defence meant that they were unable to make the breakthrough.
The game looked to be heading for extra-time when, in the 89th minute, Paolo Bernardo, who had been brought on 10 minutes previously, went charging towards the Rangers penalty area with the ball at his feet.
The entire Celtic end of the stadium was willing him to shoot, which he duly did.
His shot was saved by Jack Butland but the rebounded ball fell to the feet of Adam Idah, who slammed it in to the net and sparked wild celebrations amongst the Celtic faithful.
The referee added eight minutes on at the end of the game, and although Rangers pushed desperately to try and find an equaliser, the resilience of the Scottish champions shone through, and proved to be the difference.
When the final whistle went, the sense of joy, relief and exhaustion amongst the Celtic support, players and management was palpable as the celebrations began.
It was also an emotional moment for Joe Hart, with today’s match being the last of his professional career, a career which now ends with him as a Scottish Double winner with Celtic.
Adam Idah’s name will now be etched into Celtic’s history as the man who won the Scottish Cup with a late goal against Rangers, but credit must go to the entire Celtic team, who dug deep and drove themselves to Scottish Cup glory in the 150th anniversary year of the tournament.
Celtic’s history contains so many dramatic late winners and moments which have inspired generations of fans to describe Celtic as a fairytale club.
Today’s result and the nature of Celtic’s victory will only add to the magic that surrounds this grand old team.
It is fitting, too, that on May 25, the most iconic date in the history of the club, Celtic not only win the Scottish Cup and clinch a sensational league and cup double, but they do it in typically dramatic Celtic fashion.
It is another extraordinary tale that will be shared and celebrated for years to come, as Celtic supporters reflect on THAT Adam Idah goal and on a day that yet more silverware was added to Celtic Football Club’s glittering history.
Celtic: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate (Paulo Bernardo 78′), Forrest (Kühn 71′), Kyogo (Idah 62′), Maeda
Subs: Palma, Idah, Kühn, Nawrocki, Tomoki, Paulo Bernardo, Bain, Ralston, Welsh
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Balogun, Davies, Yilmaz, Diomande, Raskin (Lundstram 94′), Sterling (McCausland 81′), Cantwell (Scott Wright 74′), Fábio Silva (Matondo 74′), Dessers (Sima 45′)
Subs: Lundstram, Jack, Matondo, Sima, Dowell, Scott Wright, McCrorie, McCausland, McKinnon
Brendan Rodgers: It’s a great feeling to finish the season with a Double
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/may/25/brendan-rodgers–it-s-a-great-feeling-to-finish-the-season-with-a-double/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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25 May 2024, 7:05 pm
Brendan Rodgers likes the Scottish Cup – he has won all 17 of the ties he’s been involved in as Celtic manager.
He likes Hampden, having yet to taste defeat at the National Stadium in 10 games.
And as a Celtic supporter, he is well aware of the history of the club, including the significance of May 25 in the Celtic story.
So it should perhaps come as no surprise that he guided the Hoops to another Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden on May 25, 2024, securing the Double in the process.
Adam Idah’s last-minute goal was enough to beat Rangers 1-0 and deliver more silverware to the club.
Not surprisingly, the Celtic manager was delighted with the outcome of the game and the season panned out, winning both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the victory at Hampden, Brendan Rodgers said: “It was very tense game, a real nail-biting game at 0-0.
“But the players’ mentality to come through the game and win it just really typifies how they’ve been over the course of the season, so I’m so proud of them and it’s an amazing day for the club.
‘I’m very conscious of the incredible history of this club but also it’s important for the new generation of players in this era and this team to create their own history.’
“We arrived into the game in a really good mindset – you can’t play beautiful football in every single game, and you saw that today with two different styles today in the game.
“But the resilience and mentality really pushes us on to keep fighting and keep working, and eventually our drive and desire to win the game shines through.
“I said to the players beforehand that when they arrive into this game today, it’s not the week’s preparation leading into it, it’s all about the other 51 weeks and how you work and how you’re discipline is, how your mentality is and your professionalism.
“That all then drives through into a game like today.
‘So for the players to have come through a very tough game and come out as winners and have a really fantastic end to the season, I’m so proud of them.’
It was Brendan Rodgers who brought Adam Idah to the club in January, on loan from Norwich City, and the Irish striker repaid the faith shown in him by his fellow countryman, scoring nine vital goals including today’s winner at Hampden.
“To score a winning goal in a Scottish Cup final, and especially coming from Ireland, it’s a fairytale really and I’m so pleased for him,” said the manager.
“He came in and he was not playing so much at Norwich, but I’d seen him before and I know the talent he has, and I think he still has so much improvement to make, but I’m really pleased for him.
‘It’s different types of goals he’s scored – great headed goals, he’s showed pace in behind and showed composure in penalties, and today that was a real striker’s goal inside the box.’
“For me he’s been the single biggest catalyst of our run-in, certainly since he’s come in back in January, the importance he’s brought to the team, the reference he’s given the team. He’s shared the load with Kyogo and I’m so happy for him.
“We want to win and we want to win trophies consistently, so coming here you have to play well and have confidence that you can do that. So it’s nice to be able to finish with a double.”
Adam Idah: Hampden winner is the most important goal I’ve ever scored
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/may/25/adam-idah–the-most-important-goal-i-ve-ever-scored/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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25 May 2024, 7:07 pm
Adam Idah’s late goal against Rangers at Hampden Park today won the Scottish Cup for Celtic and the Irish forward has said that it is the most significant goal he has ever scored.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Idah reflected on his goal and shared his delight at being able to win more silverware with Celtic.
“I’ve scored against Rangers before, but I think this one tops that,” he said. “I’m over the moon.
“It’s something that we wanted to achieve, and I’m so happy that we’ve done it.
‘It’s the most important goal that I’ve scored in my career and to do it in the last minute against your rivals, what more could you want.’
“My job is to score goals and when you get a chance like that, you have to put it away.”
The Irishman’s 89th minute winner sent the green and white half of Hampden into hysteria, and in living rooms and bars across the world, the scenes would have been the same.
Reflecting on that support and what it means to him, Idah said: “Ever since I’ve come to Celtic, the reception I’ve had is fantastic.
‘People say you don’t realise how big this club is until you come here and now I’ve had the chance to witness that.’
“I had a lot of people here for me in the stadium and I know everyone back home would have been watching so it’s a fantastic feeling.”
His strike in today’s final takes Idah’s tally to nine goals since for the Celts joining in January, and the forward has praised Brendan Rodgers for the role that the manager played in bringing him to the club and giving him the self-belief to perform in the Hoops.
“I was always confident in my own ability,” he said. “People might say that I didn’t have the best stats at Norwich.
“But speaking to the gaffer before signing, he gave me the confidence to go and prove myself to people. I hope I’ve done that and repaid the gaffer.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c6pp95v719jt?page=8#Report
Thomas Duncan at Hampden
BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic completed a league and cup double as Adam Idah’s dramatic 90th-minute winner downed rivals Rangers and won the Scottish Cup.
After a nervy and tetchy game with precious few clear chances, Idah pounced from six yards when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland parried Paulo Bernardo’s fierce drive.
The goal sent the green and white half of Hampden Park wild and provided the perfect sucker punch to a Rangers side who had the better of the second half.
After an hour, half-time substitute Abdallah Sima thought he had given Rangers the lead after kneeing home on the goalline after James Tavernier’s dangerous corner.
But the goal was overturned when referee Nick Walsh was sent to the monitor after VAR John Beaton spotted a push on Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart by Nicolas Raskin.
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With Rangers not having scored the opening goal in any of the previous four derbies this season, while losing three and drawing one, it felt like a turning point.
But Philippe Clement’s side proved themselves more steely than in prior meetings and kept bringing the fight to Celtic.
However, the Scottish Premiership champions – having failed to test Butland for most of the afternoon – did what they so often do. Come up with a decisive moment.
It came from Bernardo initially, the Benfica loanee who has only had an impact in fits and starts.
But it was his driving run and shot from deep which forced the usually reliable Butland into pushing the ball into the middle of the box, and Idah pounced to seal consecutive Scottish Cup triumphs.
Player of the match – Adam Idah (Celtic)
Media caption,
It has to be the match-winner, doesn’t it? What a moment for Norwich City loanee Idah at Hampden.
Celtic find a way again – analysis
This was a different derby to the previous four this season, but the outcome was no different.
Despite being short of their best, particularly in the second half, Celtic simply found a way when under pressure.
It is what they did to win the league. They finished a shaky campaign – by their own very high standards – strongly when they needed to, while Rangers toiled in sight of the line.
The usual match-winners such as Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, and Kyogo Furuhashi, were quieter at Hampden, but instead Bernardo and Idah grabbed their chance with the clock hitting 90 minutes.
You can be sure Rodgers – who remains unbeaten in the Scottish Cup and adds a third title – will be asking for funds to strengthen and to improve next season, especially in Europe.
But a league and cup double is a fantastic achievement amid some turbulent moments.
Media caption,
For Rangers, it was the same old story in one sense. They lost a derby match for the fourth time this season.
But in another, this was a much better performance. They had far more grit and steel in the middle of the pitch, helped by Mohamed Diomande producing a brilliant performance.
That helped shut Celtic down, but they never managed to put their rivals under enough pressure up the other end.
Clement has done some good work with this side, but it is back to the drawing board for him and the club in the summer as they look to stem the dominance from the other side of the city.
What they said
Media caption,
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “It’s a game you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to win and we did that by the end. We found an energy and a will and desire to keep pushing.
“Rangers came in with a big motivation. We knew there would be challenges. It’s all about the defining moments and we were able to get the winner because of that.”
Retiring Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart: “I’ve loved every minute of my whole career. Football has been everything to me and it’s everything I am as a person. I’ll have to find out who I am now.
“I’ll miss it one day but right now I have so much joy and thanks to everyone who’s made it special for me. I’m super proud. I’m just trying to take it in as best as I can.”
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston: “It’s in the DNA of this club. You want to win trophies and the fans demand it. We knew going into the last couple of months that we had none on the board but there were two to play for.
“We knew we had the quality there and we’ve kicked into gear. Big players need to step up and we had some really big performances.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement: “That we didn’t score and Celtic scored… I think that was the only difference. Everybody saw it was really close.
“My players played a brave game, a good tactical game. I think much improved from the last Old Firms. It’s about decision-making and quality to finish off the actions.
“The mentality is there, the hard work is there, the structure is there and now we need to build on this. We are going to build a new team.”
Celtic 1-0 Rangers: Adam Idah’s late strike sees Hoops retain Scottish Cup and complete double
https://www.skysports.com/football/celtic-vs-rangers/report/504839
Match report as Adam Idah’s late winner gives Celtic victory over Rangers in Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park; Abdallah Sima has goal for Rangers disallowed for a foul; Celtic complete league-and-cup double
Alison Conroy
Digital Sports Journalist @AlisonGConroy
Sunday 26 May 2024 07:23, UK
Callum McGregor and Joe Hart lift the Scottish Cup following Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers
Image: Callum McGregor and Joe Hart lift the Scottish Cup following Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers
Brendan Rodgers will do all he can to keep Adam Idah at Celtic after the on-loan striker’s 90th-minute winner saw them beat Rangers to retain the Scottish Cup.
The on-loan Norwich striker came off the bench to capitalise on Jack Butland’s late mistake to snatch a 1-0 victory at Hampden Park.
After a goalless first half, Abdallah Sima thought he’d given the Ibrox side the lead only for VAR to rule it out for a foul on Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart.
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Rangers had the best of the late possession but, with extra-time looming, Idah turned in the rebound after Butland parried Paulo Bernardo’s effort to send the green and white end wild as Celtic finished the season with a league and cup double.
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Adam Idah celebrates after scoring Celtic's late winner in the Scottish Cup final
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers hopes he can keep Scottish Cup goal hero Adam Idah after his impressive loan from Norwich City.
Rodgers is determined to keep the striker who scored 10 goals since joining in January.
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“He’s been the real catalyst for us. I knew what I was getting, he’s fast and dynamic and has strength,” Rodgers said.
“What he’s shown since coming in is he is a goalscorer. Great headers, great movement in the box and today was like a No 9 sniffing around the box.
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“He’s been absolutely immense for us and he’s clearly someone I would like to do something with.”
How Celtic continued their dominance over Rangers
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers heaps praise on his players after their ‘tense’ Scottish Cup Final win against Rangers to end the season with a cup double.
Rangers’ first summer signing Jefte was in the stand at Hampden Park hoping to watch his new team-mates beat Celtic for the first time this season but, instead, Rodgers’ winning run at the national stadium continued.
It was a frantic start and only a last-ditch clearance from Leon Balogun stopped Kyogo Furuhashi turning Daizen Maeda’s low cross into the net early on.
Mohamed Diomande swung in a corner for Rangers soon after only for Hart to come out to punch the ball clear.
Player ratings
Celtic:Hart (6), Johnston (7), Carter-Vickers (7), Scales (7), Taylor (6), McGregor (5), O’Riley (6), Hatate (4), Forrest (5), Maeda (6), Kyogo (5)
Subs: Idah (8), Kuhn (3), Bernardo (7)
Rangers:Butland (6), Tavernier (6), Balogun (7), Davies (7), Ridvan (6), Diomande (7), Raskin (7), Cantwell (7), Sterling (7), Silva (6), Dessers (5)
Subs: Sima (6), Wright (3), Matondo (4), McCausland (3), Lundstram (n/a)
The game was end-to-end as Hart then denied Fabio Silva from close range before Reo Hatate sent a half-volley towards goal only for Ben Davies to block.
Celtic were screaming for a penalty after the ball crashed off Davies’ arm from Kyogo’s shot, but his arm was by his side and it was play on for referee Nick Walsh.
Back to Rangers and Cyriel Dessers was denied the opener by Cameron Carter-Vickers as the pace showed no sign of slowing.
Kyogo’s shot came off Ben Davies
Image: Kyogo’s shot came off Ben Davies
Butland was called into action to turn Celtic captain Callum McGregor’s deflected shot past.
Rangers then wanted a penalty before the break when Liam Scales pushed Dujon Sterling to the ground, but it was just outside the box.
It was then Hart to the rescue as he punched James Tavernier’s corner over to ensure it remained goalless at half-time.
Philippe Clement looked to his bench with Sima replacing Dessers for the second half only to pick up a quick booking for kicking out at Alistair Johnston as he lay the on the pitch.
Yilmaz’s effort from outside the box was saved by Hart before James Forrest weaved into the Rangers box and had a shot blocked.
Abdallah Sima bundles the ball into the net only for his effort to be ruled out by VAR
Image: Abdallah Sima bundles the ball into the net only for his effort to be ruled out by VAR
The Rangers end erupted on the hour as Sima fired in from close range only for his opener to be ruled out by VAR for Raskin’s push on Hart.
Relief for Celtic as their fans then burst into life.
With the game on a knife-edge, Sterling, Forrest and Greg Taylor picked up bookings as frustrations started to show.
Rangers looked the more likely to score as Diomande’s corner flew across goal, Carter-Vickers cleared Raskin’s effort and Hart saved Sima’s header.
Adam Idah celebrates after scoring a late winner for Celtic in the Scottish Cup final
Image: The Irishman’s goal secured a league-and-cup double for his side
With full-time approaching, Celtic did manage to get forward with Butland coming out to deny Maeda before the Hoops showed their never-say-die attitude.
Idah, on for Kyogo, pounced when Butland cleared Bernardo’s shot and wrapped up a double for the Hoops.
Eight minutes were added but there was no way back for Rangers, who failed to beat their rivals in five attempts this season.
Clement: Rangers’ disallowed goal a grey area
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Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his side were the better team as Abdallah Sima’s goal was disallowed in their Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement said:
“If I compare with the push that (Liam) Scales gives to (Dujon) Sterling in the first half, it’s a much bigger push than what happened with Joe Hart.
“If I see also how all the Celtic players are grabbing my players with their arms around their neck and waist, it’s a really big call to make to disallow that goal.
“It’s [the officials’] decision and they’re honest in their decisions. It’s a grey area that one, it’s not black or white.
“The general thought is that you’re disappointed that you lost because even people of Celtic were saying we were the better team today.
“It’s mixed feelings, you’re disappointed because you did everything to win but I’m also proud of what the team has shown.
“We got two shots on target [against], we got a goal and created six shots on target. We need to score in that moment. And then if you have the scenario where you score a goal and they are disallowed that’s also a disappointment.”
REPORT: Idah strikes late as Celtic retain Scottish Cup to complete double
https://www.skysports.com/football/celtic-vs-rangers/live/504839
Adam Idah’s 90th minute strike saw Celtic retain the Scottish Cup in a frantic Old Firm final after Rangers had a goal disallowed.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers: Adam Idah’s late strike sees Hoops retain Scottish Cup and complete double
Sky Sports
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14h ago 17:18
Celtic lift the Scottish Cup!
Callum McGregor and Joe Hart lift the Scottish Cup as the celebrations at Hampden Park continue!
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14h ago 17:13
Idah: Who knows over Celtic future
Celtic goalscorer Adam Idah speaking to BBC Scotland:
“I said I’d come here to try and score as many goals as I could, I didn’t think I’d score a goal like this in front of all these fans. It’s an amazing feeling.
“It’s hard to put into words. Anyone here can see what it means to the fans, to the players. I’ve always supported Celtic, it’s amazing.
“Football is tricky. I love it here, I’ve said it previously, it’s a great club but I’m still contracted to Norwich. I’ll go back in the summer and who knows?”
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14h ago 17:12
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
There’s a delay to the trophy presentation as police and stewards try to get the Celtic fans back in their seats.
The Rangers end, as you can imagine, is already empty.
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14h ago 17:09
Full Time stats: Celtic 1-0 Rangers
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15h ago 17:07
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Brendan Rodgers is giving hugs to each of his players while Joe Hart looks emotional after ending his career on a big high.
The Rangers players are over by their fans and applauding them.
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15h ago 17:02
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
FULL TIME! CELTIC WIN THE SCOTTISH CUP!
Idah’s 90th-minute goal decides it at Hampden Park!
It was a cagey final which saw Rangers have a goal ruled out in the second half after a VAR check.
Celtic complete the league and cup double!
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15h ago 17:02
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+10: Lundstram goes sliding in O’Riley by the touchline but the Celtic midfielder brilliantly evades his tackle, winning a free-kick in the process. Not long now.
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15h ago 17:01
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+10: Celtic have a throw in the attacking third. Rangers need a miracle now.
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15h ago 17:00
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+9: The eight minutes of added time has been played but there was a stoppage for a VAR check so there’s still a couple of minutes left in this.
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15h ago 16:59
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+8: Taylor wins a free-kick deep inside the Celtic half to ease the pressure.
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15h ago 16:58
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+7: Rangers have the ball and are trying to build an attack. Not long left…
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15h ago 16:57
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+6: The VAR check comes to nothing and play resumes.
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15h ago 16:55
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+4: YELLOW! Maeda now goes into the book for stopping Rangers from breaking away.
But there’s a VAR check happening for a possible red card for Diomande…
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15h ago 16:55
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+3: Corner to Celtic. They have the ball where they want it, as far away from their goal as possible, but there’s still at least five minutes left.
Lundstram comes on for Rangers.
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15h ago 16:54
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+2: YELLOW! Raskin becomes the 11th player to go into the book.
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15h ago 16:53
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
90+1: EIGHT minutes of added time! Can Rangers find an equaliser?
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15h ago 16:51
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 Rangers (Idah, 90)
THAT MIGHT BE THE WINNER!
A big error from Butland!
Bernardo turns away from Raskin in the middle of the pitch and shoots at goal from the edge of the box.
Butland moves to his right but the strike swerves and stays central, forcing the goalkeeper to parry.
Idah follows in and turns home the rebound to spark pandemonium in the Celtic end.
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15h ago 16:50
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
89: Maeda controls really well and runs in behind Tavernier but Butland gets out quickly to smother the ball.
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15h ago 16:48
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
86: Sima gets into a good position in the box but doesn’t connect with his shot at all well and it bobbles into the hands of Hart.
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15h ago 16:47
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Sky Sports Mark Benstead at Hampden Park:
“It looks like Clement has gambled – he’s thrown all his quick, offensive players on for the last 10 minutes.
“It might ask questions of Celtic and make them a threat on the break, but the midfield looks a little light now.
“Plus, if this game goes to extra time how will Yilmaz and Sima and Balogun fare after injury?
“Celtic haven’t found any rhythm this half and Idah hasn’t had any service since coming on.
“Rodgers might be grateful for the chance to gather his troops and re-organise them if this goes the 90.”
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15h ago 16:46
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
84: YELLOW! Yilmaz is booked for stopping a Celtic counter-attack.
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15h ago 16:43
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
82: Tavernier’s corner into the near post is headed behind by Idah at the near post. Another one to come…
And again! Third time lucky for Rangers…?
This time Hart punches it away.
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15h ago 16:42
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
81: Before the corner can be taken, Sterling is struggling with an injury and is replaced by McCausland.
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15h ago 16:41
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
79: Raskin delivers a great low ball into the six-yard box and Carter-Vickers does really well to get there first and turn it behind.
Rangers are putting the pressure on.
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15h ago 16:39
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
78: CELTIC SUB! Bernardo is on for Hatate.
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15h ago 16:39
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
77: Corner to Rangers. Matondo surges through the middle of the pitch and lays the ball off to Sterling, whose cross-cum-shot is deflected behind.
Diomande’s corner from the right flashes across the six-yard box and behind.
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15h ago 16:35
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
74: RANGERS SUBS! Matondo is on for Silva and Wright replaces Cantwell, who is booked as he leaves the pitch.
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15h ago 16:34
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
73: YELLOW! Taylor becomes the latest to go into the book for sliding on Cantwell from behind.
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15h ago 16:33
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
71: CELTIC SUB! Kuhn is on for Forrest, who had been booked not long ago.
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15h ago 16:32
VOTE: Should Rangers’ goal have stood?
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15h ago 16:30
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
69: Corner for Rangers – Sterling won it. Can Rangers make this one count?
It comes to nothing this time.
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15h ago 16:29
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
68: YELLOW! Forrest goes sliding in late on Raskin and is booked. An easy decision.
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15h ago 16:26
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
64: O’Riley delivers the free-kick and Idah is flagged offside.
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15h ago 16:24
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
62: YELLOW FOR STERLING!
This match is alive now!
Sterling goes lunging in on Taylor and wins the ball but the referee awards a free-kick.
Celtic have the chance to deliver the ball into the area from the left channel. Idah was also booked after a small fracas in the aftermath of the foul.
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15h ago 16:23
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
62: CELTIC SUB! Idah is on for Kyogo.
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15h ago 16:22
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
61: RANGERS GOAL RULED OUT!
The referee consults the pitchside monitor and awards Celtic a free-kick for Raskin’s push on Hart.
It’s the correct decision.
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15h ago 16:20
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Rangers (Sima, 59)
RANGERS BREAK THE DEADLOCK!
Tavernier’s corner from the left is turned in on the line at the far post by the knee of Sima!
Hart is claiming he was pushed as the ball came into the six-yard box and he does have a case.
VAR will look at this.
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15h ago 16:19
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
57: Corner to Rangers! Sima goes down off the ball after being nudged by Scales as Cantwell charges forward into the box and wins a corner.
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15h ago 16:18
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Sky Sports Mark Benstead at Hampden Park:
“Philippe Clement spoke about the importance of keeping XI on the park today after dismissals in previous Old Firm games.
“Abdallah Sima clearly wasn’t listening as 10 mins after coming on he risked a red card by kicking at Alistair Johnston when the Celtic defender was on the ground.
“He only got a yellow card but why take the risk?”
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15h ago 16:17
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
56: Forrest weaves his way into the box and gets a shot away with his left foot which is blocked.
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15h ago 16:15
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
54: SIMA BOOKED! And now it’s kicking off!
Sima and Johnston get their legs in a tangle and the Rangers player tries to free his leg, kicking out slightly at the Celtic defender who is on the floor.
Johnston then gets to his feet and squares up to Sima before the referee steps in to calm things down.
Maybe that will liven up this game?!
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15h ago 16:14
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
52: There’s been little quality all over the pitch but especially in attacking areas. This game looks destined for extra time already!
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15h ago 16:11
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
49: It’s been a scrappy start to the second half like it was for most of the first. This game needs a goal.
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16h ago 16:08
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
47: The referee has just paused the match to let the smoke clear from the pyrotechnics set off by supporters at the start of the half.
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16h ago 16:06
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
SECOND HALF!
46: We’re back under way at Hampden Park and Rangers have made a change. Sima is on for Dessers.
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16h ago 15:57
First Half stats: Celtic 0-0 Rangers
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16h ago 15:50
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Sky Sports Mark Benstead at Hampden Park:
“The last time Rangers got to half-time in an Old Firm game and weren’t behind was the final meeting last season.
“Ok, they’d also gone 2-0 up at that stage but that game was a dead rubber.
“Small steps but to be level at the break in such a big game is progress for Clement’s side.
“Celtic have looked best when O’Reilly and McGregor have been able to get on the ball with a little composure, but that’s not happened enough from their point of view.”
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16h ago 15:49
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
HALF TIME!
All square at the break and it’s not been a classic.
Few chances for either side in a cagey final.
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16h ago 15:48
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
45+1: Two minutes of added time will be played.
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16h ago 15:47
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
45: Corner for Rangers…can they grab the lead just before the break?
Tavernier whips the corner in from the left and Hart tips it over his crossbar. Another one to come…
This time Hart punches it out of his box.
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16h ago 15:45
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
43: RANGERS WANT A PENALTY!
Sterling takes a tumble in the box after contact from Scales but the appeals are waved away.
The Celtic defender pushed Sterling over! Clement is furious with the decision and is given a talking to by the referee.
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16h ago 15:43
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
41: YELLOW! McGregor goes into the book for pulling down Cantwell.
It’s not been the most feisty of Old Firms though.
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16h ago 15:40
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
38: Cantwell is back on his feet and will continue as play restarts.
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16h ago 15:38
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
36: Cantwell is down and receiving treatment after falling awkwardly following a challenge from Hatate.
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16h ago 15:37
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
34: Celtic are having a spell of possession now. Rangers can’t get out.
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16h ago 15:33
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
31: BUTLAND SAVES!
McGregor’s deflected shot inside the area is turned behind by the Rangers goalkeeper.
The corner is then cleared. Still no clear openings for either side yet.
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16h ago 15:29
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
27: Diamande’s corner is acrobatically steered behind for a goal kick by Dessers.
This has been a very evenly matched first half.
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16h ago 15:27
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
25: CHANCE FOR DESSERS!
Cantwell’s pull back from the right finds Dessers in the box and his goalbound shot is blocked before Carter-Vickers scrambles the ball behind for a corner.
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16h ago 15:27
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
25: The corner comes in and Kyogo stabs at an effort with his left foot which rolls into the hands of Butland.
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16h ago 15:25
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
24: HANDBALL?! CELTIC PENALTY?
Maeda’s cross from the left is flicked goalwards by the head of Kyogo and the ball hits the right arm of Davies, who is stood behind him.
The referee awards a corner and VAR doesn’t intervene.
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16h ago 15:22
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
20: Hatate sends a half-volley at goal from inside the box which is headed clear by Davies. That was an important block – the effort was powerfully struck and was on target!
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16h ago 15:21
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Sky Sports Mark Benstead at Hampden Park:
“There was a debate as to who would play where for Rangers today but once again Dujon Sterling is being asked to play wide right to nullify Celtic down that side.
“Mixed results for him so far, Daizen Maeda has still managed to put two dangerous crosses into the box inside 20 minutes.”
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16h ago 15:20
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
18: SILVA SHOOTS!
The Rangers forward beats his marker on the left and into the box. He tries to side-foot an effort into the bottom right corner but it’s just too close to Hart, who can get down to his left and hold the effort.
Some encouraging signs for Rangers going forwards.
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16h ago 15:16
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14: What a run by Scales! The Celtic centre-back carries the ball from inside his own half to the final third and wins a throw. He has a little smile about it afterwards. How’s that for confidence?!
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16h ago 15:14
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
12: Diomande delivers an in-swinging corner from the right and Hart comes out to punch it away.
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16h ago 15:10
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
8: CHANCE FOR CELTIC!
Maeda brings the ball down brilliantly on his chest to get away from Tavernier.
He crosses low into the box where Kyogo is arriving but Balogun gets there first to force the ball behind – but its given as a goal kick!
Maeda has started really brightly.
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16h ago 15:09
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
7: Diomande’s corner from the right is missed at the near post and goes all the way through the box without a touch!
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17h ago 15:09
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Jefte is at Hampden Park to watch his new Rangers team-mates…
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17h ago 15:09
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
6: Tavernier finds some space in the right channel and finds Cantwell in a central position. He sets the ball out of his feet and has a go, seeing his shot blocked behind for a corner.
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17h ago 15:07
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
5: Forrest takes a heavy touch in the box which stops him from getting a shot away and then the offside flag goes up anyway. Celtic have made a promising start and are seeing all of the ball.
Rangers haven’t got going yet.
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17h ago 15:05
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
2: Maeda escapes past Tavernier down the Rangers right and into the box where he is stopped by a good tackle by Balogun.
An early scare for Tavernier there.
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17h ago 15:02
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
KICK OFF!
1: And we’re under way at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup final!
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17h ago 14:59
Team news reminder…
Celtic: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Forrest, Maeda, Kyogo.
Subs: Bain, Palma, Idah, Kuhn, Nawrocki, Tomoki, Bernardo, Ralston, Welsh.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Balogun, Davies, Ridvan, Diomande, Raskin, Cantwell, Sterling, Silva, Dessers.
Subs: McCrorie, Lundstram, Jack, Matondo, Sima, Dowell, Wright, McCausland, McKinnon.
‘Nowhere else on planet I’d want to play’ – Hart
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz99k1pqep7o
Joe HartImage source, SNS
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
49 minutes ago
“I feel a meteor is going to hit my house in the coming weeks because everything has just been unbelievable.”
Joe Hart has had a whirlwind final few months of his career.
It started with the announcement of his end-of-season retirement in February, continued with his self-proclaimed “maniac” moment in the Scottish Cup semi-final, and ended with a league and cup Double.
At Hampden on Saturday, the former England goalkeeper lifted a seventh trophy in Scotland, in addition to his seven south of the border, to bow out where he’s spent the majority of his career. The top.
Since his decision to retire, the 37-year-old has put in some of his best Celtic performances but has remained steadfast that “this is the right time”.
The ear-to-ear grin as he savoured every second in the sun after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers would suggest he’s at peace with his decision.
And after playing a pivotal part in the club’s 13th league and cup Double, who wouldn’t be?
Celtic win double after beating Rangers in Scottish Cup final
Criticism, mockery, self-belief & trophies – the Joe Hart story
Published
2 days ago
All your Celtic news, views and analysis
‘I’m lucky to have piggy-backed on success’
Media caption,
Anyone unfamiliar with Hart might be forgiven for thinking he was retiring with his boyhood club, given the emotional scenes of the past few weeks.
Whether it be at the national stadium on Saturday, or Celtic Park last week, supporters repeatedly belted out his chant of ‘Super Joe’.
Hart’s ability to ‘get it’ has captured the hearts of the Celtic fanbase, while they seem to have carved out a place in his.
“There is nowhere else on the planet that I’d want to play football,” the goalkeeper told Premier Sports afterwards.
“I’m truly blessed to walk out with a big smile on my face. It wasn’t like that at one point so I am gonna take my win and run.
“I thought it [retiring] was the right thing to do. I wanted to take the pressure away from the manager and do the best for the club, because it’s about the club being successful and the people being happy.
“I’m just lucky I’ve been able to piggy-back on it.”
That sort of self-deprecative charm unveiled a side to Hart that few were aware of when he joined the club three years ago.
And the kind of personality he brings is something his manager knows is hard to find.
“He’s been an amazing leader in the changing room and he’s taken that on to the field,” said Brendan Rodgers.
“He’s the type of personality that is irreplaceable.”
‘You can’t get enough of it’
Media caption,
While Hart’s departure means there’s one fewer leader, that is not a department Celtic are struggling in.
Captain Callum McGregor made his 13th cup final appearance. He’s won in every single one of them.
James Forrest, revived towards the business end of the season, looks likely to go to the Euros in the knowledge he’s surpassed Billy McNeill’s trophy tally at the club.
Both players were in the building during Rodgers’ first spell and he’s heaped praise on both. With 46 major trophies for Celtic between them, why wouldn’t he?
It’s a night of celebrations, rather than numbers, after a gruelling campaign. But once the champagne has been gulped and the green and white confetti swept away, the digits will be dissected.
For all Celtic’s dominance in the last two decades, Rangers have held on to records when little else has been up for grabs, but now even they have been yanked away.
The sides are locked on 169 derby wins apiece. Celtic have edged ahead in domestic cup wins with 63.
But perhaps most notably of all, they now share the tag of the most decorated club in Europe with 118 trophies to their name.
Futile these things may seem, but bragging rights are salient in this city.
If you’re struggling to comprehend what it means, just ask Hart.
‘Champion team show rivals how to get it done again’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c722keg5nndo
Media caption,
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer at Hampden
Published
47 minutes ago
Three hours before kick-off at Hampden, the epitome of optimism was walking up and down Aikenhead Road.
He had a desperate look on his face and an old piece of cardboard above his head with a plaintive cry written on it: Any Spare Tickets?
For the first Old Firm Scottish Cup final since Adam Idah was a year old – doubtful.
Dressed in neutral colours – he wasn’t limiting his chances by wearing green or blue – you fancy that he was still on the outside when this game began against a backdrop of smoke bombs at one end and fireworks at the other.
In the clash of the Glasgow heavyweights, Rangers the underdogs were ahead on points with a minute to go. They’d hustled and harried Celtic all day.
Their midfield trio – Mohamed Diomande, Nicolas Raskin and Dujon Sterling – were in the faces of men who have dominated them all season.
Diomande was class. Sterling was so busy all over the pitch you wondered how many of him were actually out there.
Then, the knockout blow. Out of the blue, so to speak.
A rare lapse in concentration in letting them through, a goalkeeper exposed and a shot spilled by Jack Butland, a man who has been their totem since the summer.
Celtic win double after beating Rangers in Scottish Cup final
‘Nowhere else on planet’ Celtic’s retiring Hart wants to play
Published
50 minutes ago
‘Little details’ cause Rangers to start rebuild with regrets
Published
2 hours ago
Celtic had done it again. Another trophy. Nineteen of the last 24 domestic titles now.
Four wins in five this season over their city rivals, all by a goal, not that it matters. Brendan Rodgers has a double at the end of a deeply challenging season.
This was a battle for Celtic and it might feel all the sweeter because of it.
For Rangers, who turned up with a vengeance, and went toe-to-toe all day, it’ll have been crushing.
They managed to contain all of Celtic’s main threats, but still lost. They were forceful in midfield and dogged in defence, and still they left as beaten men.
Rodgers will bask in this double and use it as a springboard for the changes he’ll be keen to make in the summer, changes that he’s wanted to make in the last two transfer windows.
Quality over quantity is his mantra and he’s in a position of maximum strength now to get more of what he wants before the big show begins anew in the relative blink of an eye.
Media caption,
There is a party to attend but also work to be done.
He needs a new goalkeeper, Joe Hart bidding a glorious farewell at Hampden. He needs a left-back to put some heat on Greg Taylor.
Maybe he’ll need a replacement for Matt O’Riley, too.
O’Riley was not allowed to be influential in the final, but he’s been a huge performer for Rodgers. Nineteen goals and 18 assists is an outrageous return. Will Atletico Madrid return for him? It would hardly be a surprise.
There’s a decision to be made on Idah, now a folklore hero after his winner.
His arrival in January couldn’t have been met with a more underwhelming response from Celtic fans, but he’s been a powerhouse, a consistent goalscorer in limited game time and he’s now a cup final hero.
He’s 23 years old with a price tag of a reported £6m, if his parent club Norwich City are prepared to play ball.
Coming into this final, his Premiership goals per shots was the best in the league. This was his second Old Firm goal in three games.
On current form, he has the edge on Kyogo Furuhashi in terms of threat and age.
What next for him? Listening to Idah post-match you got the sense that he’d like to stay where he is. This is a big call for Celtic now.
Media caption,
These are nice problems for Rodgers.
He can make decisions sure in the knowledge that vast piles of Champions League loot is coming the club’s way, perhaps £40m and beyond.
Ambition beckons, surely for the Celtic board. Not fiscal recklessness, not mad gambles, but a loosening of the purse strings to reflect a club wishing to win more games in Europe as well as winning the domestic prizes.
Celtic have a lot of players on their books and here, in an ideal world, there are opportunities.
Alexandro Bernabei, Sead Haksabanovic, Mikey Johnston, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Marco Tilio and, remarkably, James McCarthy are still Celtic players.
There are other bit-part, or no-part, players taking a wage. Move some of them on and the coffers look even healthier and Rodgers’ freedom to add bits of class only increases. Whoever’s charge with doing that work will have to get busy.
Rodgers’ first-choice starting line-up is still, largely, an Ange Postecoglou team.
He’ll want to put his own stamp on it after some of the misfiring in the last two windows. Some clever tinkering and it’s hard to see how Rangers get all that close to them next season.
‘Clement has work to do in crucial summer’
Clement’s side could scarcely have made it harder for Celtic at Hampden.
They scored a goal to take the lead but a wholly unnecessary push by Raskin on Hart saw it ruled out.
Had Raskin just stood his ground, Hart wasn’t reaching that delivery and that goal would have been good. That’ll be a tormenting truth for Rangers people.
Rangers surprised many of us. No Connor Goldson, no John Souttar and Borna Barisic in the wilderness pending his departure. That’s three of Clement’s regular back four.
Leon Balogun, 35, was only just back from injury, but he was terrific at the back. Ben Davies had played four times since December, but was also a strong performer. Ridvan Yilmaz was left-back despite just over two hours of football in two months.
They all put in serious shifts, as did the midfielders ahead of them, or most of them.
The goal at the end was cruel. For all of the good things in their performance it ended with a kick to the solar plexus. Again.
Media caption,
Clement has an amount of work to do. If Rodgers just needs to find extra pockets of class, Clement needs the guts of a new team.
Goldson, James Tavernier, Barisic, Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram may all be leaving. Loads of experience off the books, but loads of wages available for a rebuild, too.
Fabio Silva will return to England. Todd Cantwell? At one point, in the pulling and dragging on the pitch, his manager gave him a shove to get him off the scene. Perhaps he should keep shoving.
Clement still has Sam Lammers, Jose Cifuentes and Ianis Hagi – all out on loan. Will he want any of them? It’s hard to see it.
He’ll want to keep Abdallah Sima. The forward might cost £6m from Brighton but he tends to deliver consistently and is the type he needs.
Right now, there are too many unreliables at Rangers, too much mediocrity.
The manager has already brought in a left-back, the 20-year-old Brazilian Jefte, but that’ll just be the start of it.
The performances of Diomande and Sterling will give him great heart, but he needs more operators in their image.
Clement will need a lie down after this. Then, he’ll need to rise up and get back to the tough business of chasing a champion team who just know how to get it done.