Celtic fans were put through an emotional rollercoaster last Sunday as their side claimed the Premier Sports Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers.
In what turned out to be a remarkable six-goal thriller, several twists and turns could’ve altered the course of events at Hampden on a day where fine margins separated both sides in the Glasgow Derby.
Vaclav Cerny’s penalty claim made Kris Boyd lose the plot, while Ridvan Yilmaz’s unsuccessful penalty in the shootout have become the main talking points on another momentous day in Celtic’s history.
However, Brendan Rodgers will also recognise he has Cameron Carter-Vickers to thank after stopping a four versus one attack by thwarting Nedim Bajrami’s cutback attempt in the area.
Ultimately, the only matter worth concerning yourself with is that Celtic are now the holders of the Premier Sports Cup once again. Hampden is a battleground where character needs to come to the fore, which they produced in abundance to lift the trophy.
Looking back on a chaotic affair, Aiden McGeady has cited the moment he feels turned the tide for his old club at the national stadium.
Celtic’s ‘pivotal’ Cameron Carter-Vickers moment vs Rangers
Unsurprisingly, the former Celtic man identified Cameron Carter-Vickers’ last-gasp challenge against Rangers as a decisive moment in last weekend’s cup final that helped inspire the Bhoys after a difficult start.
He explained [Scottish Football Podcast]: “For me, I don’t think there were many outstanding performances in the Celtic team. Collectively, they did enough to get over the line, evidently, but, I think Carter Vickers was very good today.
“I think, talking about pivotal moments, it was that 4v1 when he’s managed to (defend), I don’t know how Rangers never got a shot away or never scored a goal.”
Despite Hamza Igamane, Bajrami, Mohamed Diomande and Vaclav Cerny all being in pursuit, Celtic’s rock at the back stretched himself to make a heroic interception.
Cameron Carter-Vickers earns Virgil Van Dijk comparison
McGeady then put forward his belief that Carter-Vickers’ interception was Virgil Van Dijk-esque, stating:
“But the way that he showed, I think it was Igamane on his right foot I think it was, but he’s actually, it was almost like Van Dijk defending, the way that I’ve seen Van Dijk do it in the past. 4 v 1, and he managed to block that shot or block that cross.
“That was a pivotal moment in the game for me because if Rangers go and score, which they should have done, they go 2-0 up. I didn’t see Celtic actually getting back in, because at that point, Rangers were probably in the ascendency.”
Would Celtic have recovered in an alternative universe where they were pegged back by two goals? Fortunately, nobody needs to contemplate that question after the Bhoys ran out victorious by virtue of their ice-cool demeanour from the penalty spot.
Christmas belongs to the green and white corner of Glasgow. Supporters will ride this wave of joy for weeks to come, but the hard work for Rodgers’ squad continues at Tannadice on Sunday.
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