BRENDAN IS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN NOW
McNulty Afobe Barrow Ince
MOTM ANSSI JAAKKOLA (READING) REF: ATT: BRENDAN RODGERS claimed his seventh straight domestic trophy as CELTIC manager was the best of the bunch.
The Hoops snapped up a 1-0 victory over ABERDEEN thanks to a goal from Ryan Christie in firsthalf stoppage time.
And Rodgers (below) believes this League Cup triumph meant more than any other because of Celtic’s poor start to the season.
He said: “I feel very satisfied. Of all the trophies we’ve won, this is probably the most satisfying because it wasn’t an easy start to the season for us.
“We played against a tough team today at the end of a tough week and the players came through to show that mentality, strength and talent.
“It’s big hearts they’ve got and another trophy.” Winger James Forrest said: “I just think the gaffer’s put confidence in the team and the last couple of months we’ve been really good and kept the form going.”
Christie got the winner when he scored at the second attempt after running into the box.
Celtic missed a chance to increase their lead early in the second half when Scott Sinclair was denied from the spot by Joe Lewis after Dominic Ball had been adjudged to have handled.
The Dons lost Gary MackaySteven to a sickening injury after clashing heads with Dedryck Boyata. He was later reported to be conscious in hospital.
Boss Derek McInnes said: “I thought we dealt with everything apart from the counter-attack.”
RANGERS went top of the league by one point thanks to a 2-1 win at HEARTS.
They trailed to Gareth McAuley’s own goal but Connor Goldson and Alfredo Morelos struck back, although Scott Arfield was red-carded.
Delighted boss Steven Gerrard said: “What’s important is that it’s our first big away win against a rival and we’ll take belief from it. The lads have shown unbelievable mental strength and character.”
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