RODGERS DELIGHTED AT CELTS RESPONSE TO REF JUSTICE

BRENDAN RODGERS hailed the grit of his Hoops heroes after claiming ref Kevin Clancy almost cost Celtic their chance of Betfred Cup glory.

The holders went 2-0 up but a controversial penalty awarded against Dedryck Boyata between Clancy and assistant ref Frank Connor gave Hibs a route back into it.

Rodgers said: “There are two poor decisions. One from the referee who is on his way back and then he is looking for help form the linesman who is facing it – how he gave the penalty, I will never know.

‘It gave Hibs a little bit of oxygen and made us really refocus on our game.

“It asked a question of our composure and mentality and the players responded.”