Celtic 3 Dunfermline 1 as it happened – The champions claim a double with Scottish Cup triumph (original) (raw)

23rd May19:15 BST

Lennon makes plea to Celtic over O'Neill future

Martin O'Neill and Neil Lennon after the full-time whistle at Hampden(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Neil Lennon raised an arm with Martin O’Neill to congratulate his old mentor on another trophy - then urged the Celtic board to show the same courtesy by allowing the veteran boss to decide his future.

The Dunfermline manager is adamant the 74-year-old has proved he is still more than capable after rescuing the Hoops for what appeared to be a car crash of a season to secure an incredible double.

And says he can’t see any candidates who could have done what O’Neill has in salvaging a double.

Lennon cut a frustrated figure after watching his second tier side beaten 3-1 by the champions at Hampden.

And while he says he’s got the appetite to go again next season at East End Park, Lennon reckons**_ it should be completely down to O’Neill if he is afforded the same opportunity at Celtic Park_**.

23rd May18:51 BST

Celtic players in new Rangers troll

The victorious Celtic squad have once again poked fun at arch rivals Rangers expense by breaking into a rendition of 'Simply the Best' after their Scottish Cup triumph.

Footage from inside the dressing room has been shared on social media and is quickly gaining traction.

23rd May17:45 BST

Celtic player ratings

Here is how Record Sport's Craig Swan rated the victorious Hoops players at Hampden.

23rd May17:42 BST

Talking points

Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates after scoring to make it 3-0

No invasions. Just ovations.

If this really is to be Martin O’Neill’s last ever game as a manager then what a way to bow out.

Another trophy - his ninth as Celtic boss and fourth Scottish Cup - as his adoring public gave him one last Hampden roar.

And the man he’d given the Larsson treatment in the build-up turning in another “Larsson-esque” performance to secure the silverware.

Daizen Maeda channelled Celtic’s King of Kings to crown the perfect end to the season.

This also appeared to be the Japan star’s last dance in the Hoops and it was worthy of the man who wrote himself into Parkhead legend under O’Neill over two decades ago.

An opening goal that had Larsson written all over it gave the Hoops the foothold to eventually see out a 3-1 win that also saw Arne Engels and Kelechi Iheanacho net.

Both he and his manager milked the acclaim at full time. It was well deserved.

Here are five talking points from the national stadium.

23rd May17:36 BST

O'Neill reveals future plan

Martin O'Neill has hinted that he will sit down with Dermot Desmond next week to discuss the possibility of staying on as Celtic manager after delivering a league and cup double.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:

There were no discussions about that at all.Next week I might get to speak to the owner. If you're asking me if I could step in after a three-day holiday, I wouldn't have that about me.Dermot Desmond brought me back in the first place, I owe him a great deal otherwise I wouldn't be here.

23rd May17:16 BST

McGregor on extra 'sweet' cup win

Callum McGregor admits Celtic's topsy-turvy season makes their Scottish Cup triumph that bit sweeter.

He told BBC Scotland:

They're all special.Probably off the back of a difficult season, everything the team has had to go through it makes it all the sweeter.Second half wasn't great but we did a lot of the work in the first half.December time nobody would have given you a hope. It just shows you the mentality and the character of the team. It's a tough season but so rewarding.Martin O'Neill has been fantastic since he came back in. He's been backed up by amazing staff members. I'm sure he will be involved in some capacity. The team have been fantastic, he drove them on and he can enjoy his summer as well.

23rd May17:14 BST

Iheanacho asked about Hoops future

Celtic goal hero Kelechi Iheanacho has offered a coy response when asked if he will be at the club next season.

The Nigeria international only signed a one year contract last year but the Hoops do have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

He told BBC Scotland:

It feels really good to win my first Scottish Cup. It was tough to get here but we won the trophy.It's been a crazy season. It's one we can remember for all our lives but we got there in the end so we're happy."I don't know (about my future), we will wait and see.

23rd May17:02 BST

Dunfermline ratings

ASTON OXBOROUGH - 6

Back between the sticks after being recalled by Motherwell last week. Could do nothing to deny Maeda’s exquisite dink. Brave header to deny onrushing Nygren. Rooted to the spot as Engels rifled home. Rounded by Iheanacho for third.

JEREMIAH CHILOKOA-MULLEN - 7

Scotland U-21 starlet showed maturity beyond his years as he proudly wore the captain’s armband. Ex-Inverness defender put in a solid shift and tucked in centrally after the break. Skint by Iheanacho though as ball hit his hand before striker bagged third.

JOHN TOD - 5

Towering stopper breathed a sigh of relief after an early tangle with Maeda in the box but struggled to cope with Japan star’s blistering pace. Mistimed clearance saw Maeda race behind and lob the opener. Subbed and big learning curve.

KIERAN NGWENYA - 7

Malwai cap was guilty at times of leaving his rookie partner Tod isolated against lightning-quick Maeda who tormented the Pars. It was backs-to-the-wall stuff in the first-half as his side coped with tornado of attacks. Brilliant recovery to stop Iheanacho from a fourth.

ROBBIE FRASER - 6

Ex-Rangers kid was shifted to left-back to cope with the marauding Forrest and Johnston. Weak clearance led to Celtic’s second. Crucial nudge halted Forrest from notching a third at the back post. Much more positive after the break.

MATTY TODD - 6

Creative winger put in a tireless shift. Offered his defence another layer of protection on the right and made some timely blocks. Pars’ chief assist maker was fairly quiet going forward but worked hard.

NURUDEEN ABDULAI - 6

Versatile Ghanian pushed up from central defence to defensive midfield. Added muscle to the middle of the park to try as he tried to nullify top-scorer Nygren. Glanced a header wide from a corner. Subbed.

CHARLIE GILMOUR - 5

One-time Arsenal prospect spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows as Celts dominated. Stood off Arne Engels as the Belgian was given the time and space to rattle from 25 yards. Booked.

TASHAN OAKLEY-BOOTHE - 5

Tottenham Hotspur youth graduate was deployed in an advanced role behind the two strikers and initially looked bright. But ex-Stoke City midfielder faded out of the game as Celts seized control. Hooked at halftime.

ANDY TOD - 6

Pars’ 16-goal hero downed Aberdeen with a deadly double on the way to the Scottish Cup Final. However, rising star barely had a sniff against Celtic. Tipped as a future Scotland international and won’t be his last appearance at Hampden. Subbed.

CALLUMN MORRISON - 5

Ex-Hearts and Falkirk attacker was centimetres away from opening the scoring after poking the ball past Sinisalo only for Scales to clear from the goal line. Posed Trusty problems at times but his game was up at the interval.

SUBS:

SHEA KEARNEY (45) - Northern Irishman slotted in seamlessly at full-back as he replaced teen Todd at the break. 6

ZAK RUDDEN (45) - Forward helped re-energise the Pars and cut back led to consolation goal. 6

CHRIS KANE (45) - Powerful frontman looked like a man possessed as he shook up the Celtic defence. Great link-up play. 7

ALFONS AMADE (59) - Sent Sinisalo scrambling as long-range effort whistled past the post. 5

JOSH COOPER (79) - Pulled one back with his first touch to give his supporters something to shout about. 5

UNUSED SUBS:

BILLY TERRELL, KYLE BENEDICTUS, CHRIS HAMILTON, LUCAS FYFE.

23rd May16:54 BST

FT! Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline

It's all over and Celtic start the celebrations after getting their hands on another Double.

Commiserations to the Pars, who have lost a cup final and a Championship play-off semi final in the last week.

23rd May16:50 BST

Tame from Rudden

The former Rangers kid gets a shooting opportunity on the edge of the box.

But he doesn't catch it right at all and it trickles through to Sinisalo.

23rd May16:45 BST

Saracchi gets a run-out

The Boca Juniors loanee will get the last five minutes plus injury time.

He replaces Tierney.

23rd May16:44 BST

Pars having a go

Another Dunfermline goal would really set us up for a grandstand finish.

Lennon's men get another corner but Chilokoa-Mullen can't get his header on target.

23rd May16:40 BST

GOAL! Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline

What an impact from the sub!

Rudden and Kane combine well and the ball eventually breaks to Cooper who keeps a cool head to slot at the back post with his first touch since coming on.

23rd May16:38 BST

Tod makes away

Pars make their final sub off the match.

Tod comes off to be replacef by Cooper.

23rd May16:36 BST

Celtic, sign him up?

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Super-sub Kelechi Iheanacho strikes again.

Nigerian striker danced his way in and out of the Dunfermline defence and slotted home.

Make no mistake, the Scottish Cup is going back to Celtic Park.

But will Iheanacho be there next season?

The ex-Man City star has more than played his part in the final months of this Double-winning season.

His fitness is the biggest question mark. Will he ever be able to perform for 90 minutes?

Celts have an option to extend his deal by 12 months this summer.

Every club needs a reliable goalscorer in their team. Surely, they'll keep Iheanacho ahead of a summer of transition?

23rd May16:35 BST

More Celtic changes

With the game sown up, Celtic go to the bench again.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tounekti relplace Nygren and Yang.

23rd May16:34 BST

GOAL! Celtic 3-0 Dunfemline

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's third goal

Sub Iheanacho gets himself in on the act.

He latches onto Nygren's through ball to chop inside, dance past Oxborough and stab it home.

A very classy finish from the Nigerian.

23rd May16:31 BST

20 to play

We are into the last 20 minutes of play at the national stadium.

Celtic are more than good for their 2-0 lead and will have more opportunities to net again when Pars start taking more risks to try and give themsles a lifeline.

23rd May16:27 BST

Celtic goal chalked off

Celts think they have added a third as Iheanacho taps home from Yang's square pass.

But South Korea winger Yang was offside in the build-up and VAR quickly confirms it.

23rd May16:22 BST

Amade has a go

Dunfermline enjoy a nice bit of possession outside the Celtic box.

Sub Amade gets the ball out of his feet and tries his luck with a powerful effort that doesn't fly too far wide of Sinisalo's goal.

23rd May16:20 BST

Pars re-energised

Alasdair Johnston vies with Callum Morrison

I did predict changes at the break for Dunfermline and boy have they made an impact.

Chris Kane can count himself unfortunate not to have started the showpiece final.

But the experienced frontman's physicality has caused Auston Trusty all sorts of problems.

The Pars have nothing to lose and are going much more direct as they chase the next goal.

23rd May16:18 BST

First Celtic sub

O'Neill has made his first chance.

Forrest makes way for Iheanacho to shuffle up Hoops' front three.

Pars have also introduced Amade in place of Abdulai.

23rd May16:13 BST

Trusty booked

Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon roars on the Hampden touchline

Kane and Rudden have finally given Celtic something to think about.

The former collides with Trusty as he chases a forward ball, with the Hoops defender seeing yellow.

23rd May16:08 BST

Pars chance

Celtic's Kieran Tierney heads the ball clear

The Championship side get a great opportunity from a set piece.

Todd floats a ball into the box but Abdulai can't get his header on target.

23rd May16:05 BST

RESTART! Celtic 2-0 St Mirren

And we are up and running again!

Dunfermline need a miracle and Lennon has made a triple sub during the break.

Zak Rudden, Chris Kane and Shea Kearney replace Oakley-Boothe, Morrison and J. Tod.

23rd May15:52 BST

Celtic have one hand on the trophy

Celtic's Arne Engels celebrates scoring to make it 2-0

Celtic's name will already be carved on the trophy.

This has been one of the most one-sided finals I can ever recall.

The Hoops have been absolutely dominant, and they look hungry for more goals.

It doesn't look like there will be any repeat of last season's Treble-busting Hampden defeat to Aberdeen.

I wouldn't like to be inside that Dunfermline dressing room right now.

Neil Lennon will be reading the riot act to his players, judging by how animated he's been on the touchline.

23rd May15:48 BST

HT! Celtic 2-0 Dunfermline

Content cannot be displayed without consent

The first 45 minutes draw to a close and Celtic are on the verge of sealing a league and cup double.

Spare a thought for Neil Lennon in the opposite dugout.

23rd May15:48 BST

Below-Pars

You'd think Neil Lennon will make changes at the break.

They've been powderpuff middle to front and offer almost next to nothing.

Experienced Chris Kane can count himself unfortunate not to have started the showpiece final.

He's out warming up along with fellow striker Zak Rudden.

23rd May15:42 BST

Flattened Pars

It feels like that goal has sucked the life out of the 17,000 Dunfermline fans at Hampden.

Engels' 25-yard strike has definitely flattened the mood, with punters heading up the stairs to beat the queues for some half-time refreshments.

Celtic are in cruise control here and it's going to take a miraculous comeback - or unthinkable collapse - from Martin O'Neill's side to throw this away.

23rd May15:39 BST

GOAL! Celtic 2-0 Dunfermline

And there is the second!

Oxborough is rooted to his goalline as McGregor tees up Engels to leather one into the back of the net.

This cup final is all but over as a contest.