It’s time for another hero to step up at Hampden
Jelavic can’t believe his 2011 trundler was last League Cup winner for Rangers .. but now he wants someone else to grab the limelight
It seemed to cross the line in slow motion.
Off the post, back OUT of the goal, then inexplicably curving, creeping into the net.
A split second felt like an eternity. At that moment, Nikica Jelavic’s world stood still. The silent pause was ended by thunderous noise from the Rangers end at Hampden.
And the Croatian striker had won the 2011 League Cup for the Ibrox club.
Amidst the celebrations no one – including Jelavic – could have envisaged what was coming next for Rangers.
A financial implosion, starting again in the bottom tier of Scottish football – and a decade devoid of silverware.
Jelavic’s strike in the 2-1 Old Firm win over Celtic was the last time Gers laid hands on the trophy.
He’ll never get fed up talking about one of the best days of his career on Glasgow’s southside. But ahead of today’s repeat in the Viaplay Cup Final, Jelavic has called on Michael Beale’s squad to create new memories.
He wants someone else to feel the elation he did 12 years ago when his shot eventually trundled over the line.
Jelavic is 37 now, retired and coaching Lokomotiv Zagreb’s Under-19 side.
After their game today he’ll have the quickest shower of his life to ensure he’s in front of a TV screen for kick-off.
And by full- time he’s praying that someone will take his mantle of scoring Rangers’ last League Cup winner.
In an exclusive interview with MailSport, Jelavic said: “I enjoy talking about my goal but it’s time for someone else to be the hero.
“Rangers have always had heroes. There is always a new one to come forward, that’s normal for a club like this.
“I’m just glad to be part of Rangers’ history. It makes me happy.
“If someone had told the players back then, including myself, that Rangers wouldn’t win this trophy again for 12 years, I wouldn’t have believed them.
“No chance. None of us would have believed that.
“But so much was going on in the background back then that we didn’t know about. It turned into a terrible situation for the club.
“But Rangers are back now and have to forget those bad years.
“The club have to focus on the present and new success.
“Hopefully after this final we can talk about someone else’s goal.
“I just want Rangers to win the game and lift the cup.”
Rangers led the 2011 final through a Steven Davis strike but were pegged back by Joe Ledley’s equaliser for the Hoops. The game went to extra-time and, after 98 minutes, Jelavic struck.
A brilliant piece of imaginative play from sub Vladimir Weiss put the Croat clean through on Fraser Forster and he tucked it away via the woodwork.
It’s an iconic goal for Rangers fans – and one Jelavic will never forget.
He said: “My memories of that day are just the same as every Rangers supporter, I’m sure.
“A winning goal against Celtic and the trophy. It was an amazing feeling.
“It was a great day for the club but, for myself, it was my first trophy for Rangers so it was special.
“When I think of the goal and when the ball hit the post, it took what seemed like forever to go in. It was agonising.
“It came out then somehow went back in. In my head, I remember thinking: ‘ What the hell just happened?’
“When the ball eventually crossed the
ully after Hopef we this final about can talk else’s ne someo r winne
line it was just relief.f. It was actually an amazing piece of play from Vladimir, to take a quick free-kick and set me up to score the goal.
“I t wa s an unbelievable feelingng that I won’t forget.
“Every goal was specialpecial in my career but that one a ga inst Cel tic waswas for a trophy at Hampden.
“That’s why I rate it so high. It’s one of the favourite goals of my career.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable that day. The Rangers fans were always like that throughout my time at the club.
“But that day was unique. My goal was for every single one of them.
“It was an unforgettable moment for me. Not many players get to score a w iininningnning ggoaoa l agagainst Celtic in a final.fi
“Ever y goal againsta them mmeans so much to the fans.” While Jelavic is gluglued to the action in Zagreb, incredincredibly, two of his RangerRangers team- mates from 2011 wwill be involved at Hampden.
Allan McGregor – who was a sub 12 years ago – will be between the sticks for Beale’s side today.
And fellow goalscorer Davis will also be part of the Rangers party, despite being out injured.
Jelavic has nothing but praise for the duo who were inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame last week.
But he just wants the final whistle in
Lokomotiv’s UnderUnder-19 game to blow on time today – so he can watch the Old Firm drama unfold.
The Croatian said: “I saw that Steven got into the Hall of Fame and I want to congratulate him.
“It’s unbelievable for him, Greegsy and James Tavernier to be inducted.
“It must be a great feeling to be part of Rangers’ history for life now.
“It’s amazing that Greegsy is still playing and will be in goal for the final. It’s crazy.
“That guy is unbreakable. He is a one-off goalkeeper, unbelievable.
“I hope to see the game on TV. I’ve just taken over as head coach of Lokomotiv Zagreb’s Under-19 team.
“We have a game at 1pm on Sunday but after that match I’ll get a quick shower and rush to see the game.
“Hopefully we can take the trophy back to Ibrox – that ’ s the most important thing.”