RAMPANT Celtic reigned in the rain at storm-lashed Hampden yesterday.
The fourth successive Betfred League Cup followed the silverware procession to the Parkhead trophy room following the 1-0 win over Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit at the national stadium.
Despite the horrendous weather conditions, Glasgow was smiles better after £7million French central defender Christopher Jullien finished with some aplomb from a left-wing free-kick from Ryan Christie.
Thanks to a marvellous Fraser Forster penalty-kick save, the champions have won the past four appearances in the grand finale of the competition without the loss of a solitary goal – Aberdeen (3-0 and 1-0) and Motherwell (2-0).
The towering keeper was the hero of the hour – or, more accurately, one hour and thirty-six minutes – as he repelled all that was thrown at him.
Eight years ago, he was an unfortunate loser in this fixture – he banished those demons in spectacular style this time out.
Here, in a special second display from CQN‘s ace photographers, we capture more of the action on a memorable day. Enjoy!
BY THE RIGHT…James Forrest is challenged by Borna Barisic.
COLLISION COURSE…Jeremie Frimpong is about to be crash-tackled by Barisic.
ON THE RUN…Jonny Hayes takes on James Tavernier.
TWO AGAINST ONE…Mikey Johnston is confronted by Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield.
UP, UP AND AWAY…Kristoffer Ajer heads clear from Connor Goldson.
NO HOLDS BARRED…Odsonne Edouard is challenged by Filip Helander.
HAMPDEN HOORAY…Christopher Jullien slams in the winner.
TREBLE YELL…Jullien races away with Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer in pursuit.
OOPS…Mikey Johnston knocks the ball past Allan McGregor – and also past the post.
WING AND A PRAYER…Lewis Morgan fires in a hopeful cross as Filip Helander attempts to intervene.
SHOUT ABOUT IT…skipper Scott Brown shares the joy.
IT’S OURS AGAIN…Scott Brown gets ready to hold aloft the silverware for the fourth successive season.
BROTHERS IN ARMS…Scott Brown cuddles hero Fraser Forster as Callum McGregor attempts to join in.
CUP OF DREAMS…Scott Brown holds sloft the silverware.
JOY BHOYS…Ryan Christie and Kristoffer Ajer with the trophy.
OUI DID IT…French matchwinner Christopher Jullien with the Cup.
SOAKED WITH SUCCESS…a drenched Neil Lennon with the League Cup.
END GAME…Celtic players celebrate after the Cup presentation.
SMOKE GETS IN YOUR PRIZE…Celtic players perform the pre-match huddle at smokey Hampden.
