LENNON HAZ TREBLE NO.4

CELTIC completed a historic quadruple Treble by lifting the Scottish Cup yesterday after a penalty shootout.

And boss Neil Lennon dedicated it to director Dermot Desmond, chief executive Peter Lawwell and the board who backed him amid fan protests.

In an amazing final for last season’s competition, delayed because of Covid and which has taken 16 months to complete, the Hoops won the trophy for the 40th time.

Northern Ireland keeper Conor Hazard, 22, was the shootout hero in only his third match for Celtic. He saved from Hearts’ Stephen Kingsley and Craig Wighton before Kristoffer Ajer hammered in the winning penalty. “It’s not sunk in yet,” said Hazard. “Three weeks ago I’d never have pictured this moment.”

The final was originally scheduled for May 9 and Lennon and his men have something to celebrate (above) in a season that includes a run 12 matches with just two wins, which had supporters fuming.

He said: “I’d like to dedicate it to Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell and the board for their unwavering support.

“It’s a very special moment for me. I’ve been here 20 years and I think I’m the first person to win the Treble as a manager and a player.

“Trophies aren’t easy to win, that’s 12 in a row and you’ll never see that again. The weight of all this expectation has gone, we’re out of the League Cup, and now we can just focus on the league and cup again.”

Celtic took control through Ryan Christie and an Odsonne Edouard penalty. Hearts bounced back in the second half when Liam Boyce and Kingsley scored to take the game into extra time. Leigh Griffiths put Celtic ahead again only for Josh Ginnelly to level.