LOU D &PROU D

Captain Dunlop hails resolute Rovers and the fans who packed Excelsior after putting up a fight against Celtic

Albion Rovers captain Mick Dunlop told his team-mates they should be proud of their Scottish Cup display against Celtic.

A sold-out Excelsior Stadium roared on the part-time outfit as they took on the multi-millionpound players in Brendan Rodgers’s team. A superb strike from Scott Sinclair in the first half and two late goals from Moussa Dembele and Stuart Armstrong ended the tie. However, centre-back Dunlop thinks the players should be proud of their performance: “The boys did really well with a difficult task.

“When you look at the game overall, Celtic had their chances, but we gave a good account of ourselves. Nobody should be embarrassed by losing to this Celtic team.

“They are unbeaten so far this season and have taken apart teams at their own level. I don’t think they did that to us.

“It’s a real testament to the boys that it took until the final 15 minutes for Celtic to get their second goal.

“Defensively, we gave everything, and held our shape well. The tiredness told in the end, but when you’re playing against a top-quality team, that can happen.

“I think 3-0 was probably harsh on us.”

The Wee Rovers skipper was keen

to praise the Rovers fans who made the day even more special — with the 1,500 in attendance staying long after the final whistle to clap off the team.

He thought they acted as an extra man in defence.

“I really want to give a special thanks to the supporters who came out,” Dunlop told the Advertiser.

“It was a really big moment for the boys and we all really appreciated the support.

“The noise they were making really helped us out.

“We had our backs to the wall and were pegged back in the trenches for long periods of the game — but that is when you really need your fans to get behind you.

“It was a really good turnout and hopefully we can see more of them at Cliftonhill.”

It’s now back to reality for the Rovers faithful as they prepare to take-on play-off contenders Alloa this weekend.

Dunlop thinks they can take the positives from their Scottish Cup performance into the league campaign.

“When you go up against the best side in the country and play well, that is a real boost to your confidence,” he said.

“We have some tough games coming up, but we want to get as many points on the board as we can and see how high it takes us.

“First and foremost for us is making sure we retain our place in League One.”

Class act Scott Sinclair opens the scoring in the first half with a superb finish Rover and out Armstrong fires home Celtic’s third in stoppage time (left) after Rodgers and Young had shaken hands ahead of kick-off Limited James Forrest well, forcing the midfielder back, and refused to give up any space on the right channel, while also having to keep tabs on Stuart Armstrong. Rating: 8/10. One of Albion Rovers main attacking threats during the game as his long and direct passes gave Ross Stewart and Paul Willis something to chase. Also did well with his defensive duties. Rating: 8/10. Key to the defensive unit, the midfielder chased the ball all day, and was a shadow to Scott Brown as the Hoops captain pulled the strings in the Celtic midfield. Rating: 9/10.

The centre-back gave a good account of himself and regularly blocked probing passes from Celtic attacks. Could only watch as Brown laid on the easiest of finishes for Dembele. Rating: 8/10.

The Albion Rovers keeper had a busy afternoon, but was more that up for the task. Most notably, a brilliant stop from a James Forrest shot kept his side in the game at 1-0. Rating: 9/10.

Another top performer as he tracked back to help out Kyle Turnbull, while still running the full-length of the pitch whenever he had the chance to attack. Rating: 9/10.

Killer goal Dembele celebrates