The 32-year-old Australian international midfielder is now only 90 minutes away from realising a lifelong dream after playing his part in getting the Hoops over the stubborn Kilmarnock hurdle at the weekend.
Mooy set up the breakthrough goal with a cunning, swirling free-kick on the right which was sent spinning into the net off Daizen Maeda’s chest following a mishit clearance from Kyle Lafferty.
THE GLAMOUR OF THE CUP…Aaaron Mooy at rain-drenched Hampden before Saturday’s 2-0 Viaplay semi-final win over Kilmarnock.
The 57 times-capped international was out on his feet when Ange Postecoglou replaced him two minutes into stoppage-time just before Giorgos Giakoumakis hit the second goal to seal the place in next month’s Cup Final.
Mooy, who joined the Hoops as a free agent in the summer on a two-year contract, is now looking to make up for lost time in his hunt for medals.
He won the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2012/13 and was also successful with Huddersfield Town in their Championship play-off in 2016/17.
However, the real deal will be at the Glasgow sporting arena in a few weeks’ time and the experienced campaigner has returned from his exploits with his country in the World Cup Finals in Qatar raring to go.
BRIGHT LIGHTS…Hampden is ablaze with colour as Celtic and Kilmarnock players take to the pitch.
Mooy said: “It’s important for our club to be in these Finals. That’s what is expected of us. We’re in another Final and we’ve got something to look forward to, but we just take it game by game.
“One of the reasons I came here is to compete for trophies. Celtic’s a massive club and they’ve got a massive history and they are always challenging, so it’s a big plus for players looking at coming here.
“I’m really enjoying my football just now, it’s an amazing club to play for and I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
Reflecting on the success over Derek McInnes’ side, Mooy, speaking to STV Sport, added: “The first goal is always important. I didn’t actually see what happened, did Daizen put it straight in? I don’t think I get the assist, but I’ll claim it anyway.
HAVING A BALL…Daizen Maeda watches as the ricochet off his chest cannons past keeper Sam Walker to put trophy holders Celtic ahead.
“I’m very happy. We got the job done and it was a tough match. We were resilient and got the result.
“When it’s 1-0, it’s always a bit edgy especially with all the big boys in their team, in the set-pieces, but I thought we handled it really well.
“It was a good atmosphere. You could hear the fans getting behind us. Pitch was a bit soft and I thought it was going to be a bit better than it was.”
Mooy is now preparing to get the nod from boss Postecoglou to start against his former club St Mirren in the Premiership at Parkhead on Wednesday.
