Ange guides Celtic to League Cup glory

ANGE Postecoglou’s Celtic has claimed the Scottish League Cup with a 2-1 comeback win over Hibernian at Hampden Park.

Japanese attacker Kyogo Furuhashi, who was under an injury cloud heading into the match, scored a brace as the Hoops recovered after going a goal down in Glasgow.

Hibs captain Paul Hanlon opened the scoring with a 51st minute header before Furuhashi swiftly equalised immediately after the restart.

The 26-year-old then emphatically put his side ahead on 72 minutes with a superb finish from just outside the area, lobbing a bouncing through ball from Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic over Hibs keeper Matt Macey.

It was a sixth League Cup triumph in eight seasons for the Bhoys and a first piece of silverware under Australian coach Postecoglou who is only after more with the famous club.

“It is [emotional]. I know the significance of it. It’s been a hell of a ride so far,” he told Premier Sports.

“We haven’t come into this opportunity the easy way. I’m just so proud of this group of players, they’ve been the most resilient group I’ve ever come across with what’s been thrown at us the last five, six months.

“It’s what this football club’s about, it’s what football’s about. We just pass through these clubs, but the people in here, it’s generational support. They’ve invested their lives in this club, and these are the rewards.

“It has to be [only the start]. It’s the only measure at Celtic. You win it, and then you go onto the next one.”

Celtic will now turn their attention to their pursuit of the Scottish Premier League title where they sit seven points in arrears of Glasgow rivals Rangers.

 

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN