MIKAEL LUSTIG enjoyed his eightsome reel as Celtic clinched their FIFTIETH crown in the 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The champions claimed their eighth successive title at the weekend and, remarkably, the Swedish international defender has played in EVERY one of those flag triumphs since he was signed by Neil Lennon from Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.
Lustig, of course, got the ball rolling with a spectacular full-length diving header to give the Hoops the advantage just before the interval and the pressure was off when Jozo Simunovic headed in a stunning second.
Odsonne Edouard added a flourish to the scoreline with his late effort after a trademark rampaging run from Tom Rogic who looked like he was returning to his best form following his lengthy injury lay-off.
Interim gaffer Lennon believes the 32-year-old right-back, who is out of contract next month and will have a massive decision to make, still has a part to play in the club’s future.
LIKELY LADS…trophy winners Mikael Lustig and skipper Scott Brown.
The Irishman, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “He is right up there in terms of great players at the club, isn’t he?
“We got him on a free from Rosenborg. He’s played Champions League for us, got to the last 16 beating Barcelona, he’s done the lot.
“He’s won trebles, he’s been a Swedish international for a long time and has played at World Cups and the Euros. It was a fantastic piece of business for the club.
“I had to get his head back in place a little bit when I came in. He was maybe looking elsewhere and we wanted to get him back into the team.
“It was a brilliant goal from him at Pittodrie – a brilliant ball from Callum McGregor and a great run and header from Mika.
“I know what he can do. I know the personality of the player. He is very important in the dressing room.
“First and foremost, he is a quality player. He has had his injury problems due mainly to the cumulative effect of games over the past few years.
“He didn’t get much of a rest after the World Cup last summer and it takes its toll.
“But there is a player who has now won eight titles. That says it all. He is still contributing immensely to what we want to do here. He’s a brilliant player and a brilliant boy.
“I would like to keep him. Mika will know more about his role as he gets older, but as a player he is very important to what has been done here over the last eight years.”
It looked as though the end was in sight for the energetic performer when Brendan Rodgers brought in Jeremy Toljan on loan from Borussia Dortmund in January.
However, Lennon has kept faith with the player while Swedish outfits Malmo and AIK Stockholm have been monitoring his situation.
Now the manager and the defender must await to see what the future holds in store for both of them.
So far, though, they have proved to be a winning double-act.
