Ange Postecoglou says Celtic is on the verge of “something special” after reaching the Scottish Cup closing with 1-0 win over Rangers at Hampden Park.
A primary-half Jota aim and an excellent defensive show from man-of-the-match Cameron Carter-Vickers propelled the Hoops to a semi-final win over their arch rivals.
Celtic will now begin as raging favourites within the Cup closing on June 3 in opposition to second-tier membership Inverness Caledonian Thistle,
Having already received the Scottish League Cup, and in addition on the verge of claiming one other Scottish Premiership – maybe as early as this weekend after they meet Hearts – the Hoops would safe a home treble with victory over Inverness.
“We’ve got a big month coming up where hopefully we can do something special that’s memorable to everybody,” Hoops supervisor Postecoglou instructed Celtic TV.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance and a very good chance.
“I’m really proud of the whole group’s progress. It’s been remarkable the way they’ve embraced every challenge.
“It’s not easy meeting the expectations of this football club but from my perspective, everything they’ve done to put us in this position has been outstanding.”
Postecoglou praised his aspect’s resilience in opposition to a Rangers aspect that pushed onerous for an equaliser within the second half.
“We had to earn it and work hard. and it’s just a testament to the progress of this group of players that they’re just not going to yield,” the previous Socceroos coach stated.
“It’s a credit to the group, and they’ve embraced that … we want to be known as a team that scores goals and is exciting, but above all, we want to be relentless in our approach.
“It’s not easy to do because you’re asking players to consistently put in an effort which requires not just the physical output but the mental output and strength to do it, and the lads were tremendous in that department.”
Postecoglou stated the “outstanding” Carter-Vickers can be sidelined for the remainder of the season because the England-born US worldwide required knee surgical procedure.
“That’s Cameron’s last game for us – he needs to get his injury looked at now,” he stated.
“He was keen to play (against Rangers) and he put in a performance that befits his standing at our football club. It’s a credit to him.”
Right-back Alistair Johnston – who was seen after the match on crutches and sporting a moon boot – additionally faces a stint on the sidelines.
Originally printed as Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic transfer a step nearer to Scottish treble after Cup semi-final win over Rangers
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
