Adam Idah was the Celtic hero after scoring a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday.
In a match that looked destined to head for extra-time and potentially penalties, the Republic of Ireland international popped up to fire Paulo Bernardo’s parried shot past Jack Butland. It sparked jubilant scenes from the green and white end at Hampden.
Celtic have secured a superb league and cup double in Brendan Rodgers’ first season back in Scotland, leaving no one in any doubt that they are the dominant team in the country.
The players deserve massive credit for coming through difficult periods of form throughout the campaign to get their ‘trophy heads’ on in the final stages of the season.
The Bhoys are undefeated against Rangers in the derby this term, winning four of the five matches and drawing another.
Celtic final over Rangers was a real nail-biter
It was a nervy and tense fixture from the first whistle. This wasn’t a classic for the neutrals. Both teams were cagey in possession, which Celtic enjoyed the majority of.
Until the glorious winning moment, neither side could find that bit of quality to fashion a clear-cut chance when progressing into the attacking third.
There were dramatic flashpoints regardless. Celtic should have had a penalty when Ben Davies handled the ball in the box from Kyogo Furuhashi’s flicked header.
Rangers also had a goal disallowed in the second half after Nicolas Raskin pushed Joe Hart on a corner that was bundled over the line by Abdallah Sima.
From a Celtic perspective, there were too many unforced errors. Usual creative talents such as Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley weren’t at their incisive best and Kyogo was isolated until he was replaced by Idah.
It took a driving run from Bernardo to finally leave Rangers on their knees. The Portuguese loanee surged forward and unleashed a powerful shot at Butland, who could only parry into a quick-reacting Idah’s path.
Celtic deserve this double. Rodgers deserves his plaudits. The players deserve their big celebrations. The winning machine rumbles on.