Idah makes breakthrough
Second-half substitute pounces on Butland error at the death to clinch the double for Rodgers’ side at Hampden
handled a Kyogo Furuhashi header in his own penalty box. But it was no surprise that the scoreline was goalless at the end of the opening 45 minutes.
There were loud claims for a penalty in the blue half of the ground two minutes before half-time when Dujon Sterling was blatantly pushed to the ground by Liam Scales. It was outside the area. Still, referee Nick Walsh should have given a free-kick.
Clement hooked Dessers at halftime and put on Sima, who has predominantly played wide on the left this term, up front. The replacement thought he had put Rangers ahead in the 59th minute when he turned a James Tavernier corner in from close range.
But VAR official John Beaton spotted a two-handed shove by Nicolas Raskin on Hart and Walsh chalked the goal off after watching a replay on the pitchside monitor. It was the correct call.
But Rangers had their rivals on the back foot in the second half and their supporters were by far the louder. Their work rate and commitment could not be faulted. Celtic were not allowed to dwell on the ball for a second. They looked far fresher and much hungrier. Butland was not seriously tested all afternoon.
Until, that is, the goal.
Midfield battle
for them, they were lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
History Bhoys
James Forrest edged ahead of Billy McNeill in the Celtic trophy table with the Parkhead club’s victory this afternoon. The winger, who looked a threat whenever he was involved, has now laid his hands on silverware on 24 occasions in his career, one more than European Cup captain Billy McNeill.
If he wins one more he will equal the record haul currently held by his fellow Ayrshireman Bobby Lennox. You would not bet against him doing so with Rodgers in charge. The Northern Irishman is still undefeated in the Scottish Cup. He has now won all 17 of the games he has overseen.
Celtic have also now lifted the same number of trophies as Rangers in their 136-year history: 118. It was a fitting way for former England No.1 Hart to bring the curtain down on his distinguished playing days.
Tired Tav
Leon Balogun, who had not been sighted since coming off at half-time
Matthew Lindsay