CUP SPECIALISTS SET FOR HAMPDEN

TOM ROGIC and Ryan Christie have been Cup winners against Aberdeen in the recent past.

The Australian midfielder sealed a silverware clean sweep in Brendan Rodgers’ debut season as Celtic manager when he slotted in the dramatic late trophy-clincher in the 2-1 Scottish Cup Final success over the Dons in May 2017.

And the Highlander netted the only goal of the game when the Hoops claimed their seventh successive domestic honour when he volleyed in a superb effort against the Pittodrie outfit to make certain the League Cup would remain in the east end of Glasgow for the third consecutive year.

Both could line up against Derek McInnes’ side in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden as they continue their progress following injury setbacks.

Former Parkhead striker John Hartson reckons the timing of the classy playmakers is perfect for interim manager Neil Lennon.

Both are pushing for slots in the middle of the park as the club eyes taking another step closer to the unprecedented treble treble.

THE CUP THAT CHEERS…Ryan Christie thunders in the League Cup winner against Aberdeen this season.

Hartson, speaking in the Evening Times, said: “It has been good to see Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic return to the fray with Celtic in the past week.

“Rogic is a big-game player – his is a strong lad, he gets you up the pitch, he is a real thoroughbred.

“He has needed game-time to get his sharpness back and has received that against Rangers and Livingston.

“Christie, too, has featured against St Mirren and Livingston in the last seven days and scored in Paisley.

“Their return will help Celtic. Aberdeen have shown good form of late.

“They have beaten Rangers three times in Glasgow this season, knocked them out of both Cups and drawn with Celtic at Parkhead, as well.

“If they concentrate on playing with the same mentality as they had against Rangers then Celtic will have a game on their hands.”