ANGE POSTECOGLOU is clearly a forward-thinking individual, but he took a trip back in time to talk about a special memory of the Scottish Cup.
The Celtic manager enthused over Tom Rogic’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Aberdeen at Hampden on May 27 2017 that ensured the first domestic treble for Brendan Rodgers.
The scoreline was anchored at 1-1 and the minutes ticking down when the elegant performer, who played for Australia when Postecoglou was the international chief, slalomed his way through a retreating rearguard before tucking a neat finishing effort between bamboozled keeper Joe Lewis and his near post.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game and it was enough to add the national trophy to the Premiership and League Cup which had already arrived in the east end of Glasgow in the Irishman’s first memorable campaign when the Invincibles swept aside all-comers.
HISTORY BHOY…Tom Rogic draws back his right foot as he takes aim at the Aberdeen goal.
SINGING IN THE RAIN…Tom Rogic races away in triumph as Dons keeper Joe Lewis is gounded – and the Scottish Cup is won.
Postecoglou said: “I can’t remember exactly where I was in 2017, but I remember that goal.
“Tommy has an amazing legacy already at this club and has scored a lot of iconic goals.
“That’s the beauty of Cup Finals, it’s why I’ve always loved them. There’s always a story or an incident that comes out of it.
“It either takes a piece of magic or a calamity for the trophy to be won. That Final was one of those games.
“The Scottish Cup Final and FA Cup Final were always big events Down Under. They’re great occasions.”
Postecoglou has his eyes set on a return to Hampden on May 22 when the grand finale is due to take place, but he is not losing sight of the task in hand – and that is to overcome Raith Rovers in their last-16 encounter at Parkhead today in the 4pm kick-off.
The Greek-Australian, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “It’s a competition that, even from afar, the Scottish Cup Final is one you watched from the other side of the world.
“I’ve always known its significance, so it’s another competition I want to be successful in. You have to go through the stages and there’s still a bit to go before we start thinking about that.
“And in Cups you have to be ready, irrespective of the opposition or what league they’re in.
“We have to be ready for the challenge.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Raith Rovers this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
