CELTIC completed the Extra Special Double Treble yesterday by defeating Motherwell 2-0 at Hampden. Brendan Rodgers picked his favoured best 11 for the final and here’s how we thought they all got on:
CRAIG GORDON…Celtic’s Mr Reliable had very little to do in the first half as Celtic dominated the match. He was called into action in the second period as Motherwell desperately tried to get back into the Final and Celtic sat a little deeper to try to hit on the counter attack. The keeper made one good save and dealt with a number of corners well. Not his busiest afternoon. The Celtic Star Rating – 7
MIKAEL LUSTIG…The Swedish right back had an excellent match and hopefully will have quietened those who reckon he’s the weakest link in our back four. The Swedish star has always been a big game player for Celtic and he knew the importance of winning the physical battle yesterday. He was not found wanting in that regard. He’s off to the World Cup after Broony’s game today – hopefully he’ll have some time off though – he deserves it. The Celtic Star Rating – 8
DEDRYCK BOYATA…A few years ago it looked like he couldn’t handle a battle or the pressure of a big game, not now! Boyata was strong and assured yesterday and was going to be bullied by no steel man. He’s about to sign a new deal to stay at Celtic and that’s great news. He could even make the Belgian squad for Russia, Celtic Star Rating – 9
KRISTOFFER AJER…Sometimes you forget he’s just a boy. What a future he has in the game. His ability to carry the ball from defence into attack – Aitken-like – gives another dimension to Celtic’s play. A few months back he was bullied at Firhill and it looked like he had some developing to do in the gym to stand up to the physical side of the Scottish game. Not now, thanks Ronny for Kristoffer! He was replaced by Jozo in the latter stages after picking up a knock.Celtic Star Rating – 8
KIERAN TIERNEY…If they’re not kicking Broony they turn their attention to KT. At one stage in the first half yesterday he was assaulted three times in as many minutes right in front of the dug-outs and presumably the tackles were all part of the game-plan Motherwell had. Maybe you can’t blame them too much though as they certainly couldn’t stop KT by legal means. In that first half he dominated play down that left wing and they couldn’t get near him. Second half Celtic sat in a little and Tierney didn’t push on to the same extent.Maybe he was keeping himself for the celebrations! The Celtic Star Rating – 9
SCOTT BROWN…You will have seen the video of his rousing speech in yesterday’s Huddle – check it HERE if not. Broony made sure that the players were up for the battle and this allowed the football to be played. He bossed the midfield and made one or two darts forward which was a throwback to his early days at the club. A brilliant captain – Celtic Star Rating – 8
OLIVIER NTCHAM…The goal was great the celebration was better, almost Efe Ambrose-like, the Frenchman was also ready for a midfield battle and stood shoulder to shoulder with Broony to protect the defence. He’s only going to get better and better as a Celtic player. The Celtic Star Rating – 8
JAMES FORREST…While KT was in top form down the left, Jamesy could not be ignored by a stretched and over-worked Motherwell defence in the first half. In the second half as Celtic countered he probably should have scored. Eventually made way for Scotty Sinclair…The Celtic Star Rating – 7
TOM ROGIC…There is magic in way he moves his feet. Motherwell were attacking in the second half and the ball found its way towards the corner flag at the Celtic End, North stand side. Rogic was after it pursued by a Motherwell player, who was left dazed and confused as somehow the Australian sent opponent and all of us the wrong way and he was away with the ball countering the hapless Motherwell side. He could have scored though which would have rounded off a perfect week for him nicely. But he was wonderful nevertheless and got his name chanted – There’s Only One Tom Rogic! (surely we can do better that this folks?) as he was replaced by Stuart Armstrong. The smile on his face at that point said it all…The Celtic Star Rating – 8
CALLUM McGREGOR...There’s no-one better. That goal, Callum? That was wonderful. What a player he has become under Brendan Rodgers. Just sensational. The Celtic Star Rating – 10.
MOUSSA DEMBELE…Can he stay please? Is a new contract not a possibility? Celtic would cash in on their ‘asset’ further down the line surely? Motherwell’s hard men were no match for the strength, power, muscle and skill of Moussa. He tends to come out to play in the big games only – something that he’ll hopefully address when he looks back on his season. But yesterday Moussa knew it was a big game and boy did he play. A wonderful performance that earned him the sponsor’s Man of the Match…The Celtic Star Rating – 9
Substitutes
STUART ARMSTRONG…Strong running as usual and gave Motherwell even more to worry about. Nothing being said about his future so may be the last time we hear that great sing being sung. Kept the ball in the corner at the end so we got a great close up from our seats. The Celtic Star Rating – 6
JOZO SIMUNOVIC…Jozo got on and was solid. Made a cheeky wee pass to Broony which came off for him. It’s been a frustrating season for the big man but at least he got some game-time and played well. The Celtic Star Rating – 5
SCOTTY SINCLAIR…Celtic Star Rating – Replaced Forrest in the closing stages and saw quite a bit of the ball. He had one opportunity to get a shot away – the Scotty Sinclair of last season would have done just that – but seemed to keep running across the box to the other side of the area and the chance to shoot was gone. Summed up his season really, it’s been not so wonderful. Still think he’s a smashing player though! The Celtic Star Rating – 5
PADDY ROBERTS…He never got on but got his name chanted as the supporters showed our appreciation for a wonderful player. He knows that he goes away loved by everyone at Celtic and he’s got 7 winners medals from his time at Celtic. Thanks for the memories Paddy.
Have you got one of these? Beautiful Sunday should be celebrated all summer long…
The latest podcast is out now- it’s part 2 of the brilliant interview with Celtic’s SLO John Paul Taylor where he selects the games and the soundtracks of his own personal Celtic journey. Loved his memories of the 4-2 game in the first part of his interview. Here’s the latest instalment from the UK’s Football podcast of the year…
Listen to “John Paul Taylor with A Celtic State of Mind (Part 2/3)” on Spreaker.
