Iconic: The 5 best Celtic photos from an incredible day at Hampden

By John McGinley

December 19, 2021

Celtic’s win over Hibernian at Hampden today is going to be savoured long into tonight and, perhaps for some, even tomorrow morning.

Festivities are occurring across Glasgow and indeed further afield after Ange Postecoglou won his first trophy as Celtic manager. The League Cup may be the lesser of the three trophies in Scotland, but in the context of this project, it was a thrilling achievement.

So let’s take a look at some of the best imagery of the afternoon courtesy of our pals at Getty. There are some iconic photos here, to say the least.

King Kyogo flies high

Where else to start but with Kyogo? The Japanese forward was an absolute sensation today showing awareness, touch and finishing ability at a level beyond anyone else in Scotland.

Ange Postecoglou’s greatest move was bringing him to Glasgow from Japan and it’s frightening to think where his Celtic career could go next.

If we can keep him fit and firing, this season may well be spectacular.

A captain’s passion

There are many great images of Callum McGregor doing the rounds tonight. However, this picture of his raw emotion at the full-time whistle is up there for me.

Just look at what it means to him. That’s sheer relief, ecstasy, pride, leadership and accomplishment rolled into one picture.

McGregor was exceptional today and his assist for Kyogo shouldn’t go underrated. No doubt he’ll win many more trophies as captain of Celtic.

Ange satisfaction

Written off by many before he even took charge in the dugout, will there be a more satisfied man than Ange Postecoglou in Glasgow tonight? I doubt it.

He may be a humble man, with strong values. But he’s also a winner. He knows exactly what’s been said about him by critics over the last six months. He knows he’s proving people wrong. That’s the bit he likes, remember?

He may dedicate the trophy to supporters and mean it, but I am delighted for him on a personal basis too.

A squad united

As Kenny Dalglish said earlier today, there is total unity between squad and manager just now. They’re all fighting for each other, for the manager, overcoming obstacles.

Not everything has gone Celtic’s way this season, not by a long stretch. However, for a team at the very beginning of their journey, it’s an impressive collective.

You just get the sense there’s a lot more to come from all of them, both individually and as a unit. I have genuine belief they can keep winning right through to the January break.

Ralston the Celtic fan

Anthony Ralston will have been gutted he didn’t get the chance to start today’s final. Ange Postecoglou took the decision to bench him after extreme exertions on Wednesday night.

However, that gave the defender most of the game with the best seat in the house as a supporter. Look at the delight on his face after Kyogo struck the second, winning goal.

Ralston would go on to play a part in seeing out the game, but the sheer joy on his face here is fantastic to see.

In other news, “This is for you”; Kyogo sends Instagram message to Celtic supporters after stunning final display.