QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘It’sbeenagreatdecadetobe aCelticfan.Trophyaftertrophy, caningRangers,plusInvincibles and the quadruple Treble’ dominated Scottish football for nigh on a decade. Next season Rangers will be in the strange position of being favourites and with that comes expectation and pressure. Let’s see if this is a one-off or the true start of Steven Gerrard’s emergence.”
And lance little, erskine, said: “It has been a great decade to be a Celtic supporter. Trophy after trophy, caning Rangers without breaking sweat, Invincibles, quadruple Trebles and breaking records.
“If it happens then I congratulate Rangers on their title success this year and they should treasure it as it could be many years before they get a second.
“Thanks to Celtic for all the the great memories, laughs, and celebrations. I can’t wait to see what joy the next 10 years will bring the support.”
Gers are still waiting to hear what SFA action will be taken against their Covid Five rule-breakers and Bill Duncan, ellon, said: “Rangers have had a serious discussion with each player individually and penalised them as they’ve seen fit, under the circumstances,
“Secondly, the SFA have said they can’t fast track the case. Rangers in the meantime therefore can’t take action on the SFA’s behalf as Rangers can’t preempt the SFA’s conclusions and subsequent punishment.”
For once Alfredo Morelos isn’t the bad boy as he gets rare praise for his behaviour when he stopped an attack after a Royal Antwerp player pulled up last week.
alan Mcgaw, alloa, said: “Nowhere near enough has been made of the sportsmanship shown by Morelos against Antwerp yet everyone is happy to vilify him when he does something wrong.”
Hibs failed to take advantage of Aberdeen’s defeat to Celtic as they lost to Motherwell in the fight for third.
Kevin lord, Drylaw, said: “Jack Ross states Hibs are striving for perfection. Slightly mediocre would be an improvement on the dross currently being served up.”
When St Johnstone lifted the Scottish Cup in 2014 Liam Craig had been relegated at Hibs, having left Perth at the start of that season. Fast forward two years and he’d sealed a return to Saints as the Edinburgh club then lifted the same trophy without him. But he was at the right club yesterday and bossed the midfield for 90 minutes. Conway up the top end of the park put in a brilliant shift and produced a spectacular cross for the only goal, completing a personal double to go with the Scottish Cup he lifted with Dundee United 11 years ago.
This final was notable for the many running battles you’d expect from a game meaning so much to players who might never get such an opportunity again. Bartley received a heel to the head as he and Rooney grappled before an almost comical wrestling match between Jason Holt and Craig. What the game lacked in terms of free-flowing, attacking football – although St Johnstone managed plenty of that in their excellent second-half showing – it made up for in passion and true grit.
OH YA VIEWTY
It’s been a curiosity of football in the pandemic to see the TV angle at Hampden switched to the opposite stand. And it has to be said, it would be great to see that same angle with fans in. The way the BT South Stand drapes over the pitch and being able to watch both managers going through the emotional wringer of a cup final is far superior. Keep the alternate view post-pandemic.
7 No chance with Rooney header but superb reach to beat away Wotherspoon shot. Assured handling and display by dealing with everything else that came his way.
ROBBY McCRORIE NICKY DEVLIN
Another who sustained early head knock but his ability to run the channel provided a potent outlet. Got into great attacking areas but final ball too often wide of mark.
6 Beaten in air by Rooney at Saints opener as he was too easily outmuscled. Constant threat at attacking set-pieces but became a frustrated figure as match progressed.
6 Wild shot over top in opening moments and survived one or two trademark ropey moments. Played through pain barrier after taking a heavy knock.
JON GUTHRIE EFE AMBROSE JULIEN SERRANO
Tasked with shackling Conway on flank and managed to keep the former Scotland star’s influence to a minimum. Did the simple things well and stuck to the basics.
6 Sat on left of a midfield five and recovered from early but accidental boot in face by Rooney. Survived penalty shout as he tussled with Kerr. More suited to a central role.
MARVIN BARTLEY STEVE LAWSON
Operated in central-midfield role and broke up play to help gain early foothold. Toe to toe with Craig and decent display before being replaced by Sibbald.
JOSH MULLIN
Denied 17th-minute opener by brilliant stop from Clark and started with real intent as he helped carry fight to Saints. Dropped out of it after break and made way for Forrest.
6 Main point of contact for Robinson and unlucky with header that drifted off target in first half. Another who didn’t influence matters as he can and replaced by Reilly.
7 Chief orchestrator. Foraged around picking passes and making himself available. Chased down everything and shuttled down both ends of pitch but couldn’t find a killer pass.
SCOTT PITTMAN JASON HOLT SCOTT ROBINSON
So often the go-to guy on the big occasion but this wasn’t his day. Managed several times to get in behind Saints backline and fought his corner but increasingly isolated.
SUBS 6 6 6 6 6
Craig Sibbald (2) On for Lawson but couldn’t turn it Livi’s way. Alan Forrest (3) Added width and pace but not on ball enough. Gavin Reilly (2) Replaced Pittman in bid to give Robinson support in attack but with little joy. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (2) Last 20 but couldn’t get on ball.