CELTIC 4 INVERNESS CT 1 (April 21, 2013)
NEIL LENNON led the Hoops to a second successive crown with a solid 4-1 win over the Highlanders at Parkhead.
The holders went into the contest only needing a point, but, following a dull opening period, they sparked to life when Gary Hooper rifled in a double after the hour mark. The visitors’ stubborn resistance was breached again when stand-in skipper Joe Ledley added another.
The flags were flying and the delighted supporters were singing long before substitute Georgios Samaras completed the scoring with a superb solo effort in the 88th minute which was completed with a rasping angled drive that ripped into the net.
Aaron Doran netted a consolation strike for the visitors in stoppage time, but by then it didn’t matter with the flag party in full swing.
TEAM: Forster; Lustig (sub: McCourt 84), Ambrose, Wilson, Mulgrew; Forrest (sub: Izaguirre 46), Wanyama, Ledley, Commons; Hooper, Stokes (sub: Samaras 68).
THE BIG KICK-OFF…Celtic stars from the past, including Billy McNeill, Bobby Lennox, Davie Hay and Danny McGrain parade the flag.
CRUNCH…Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes takes on future team-mate Emilio Izaguirre.
HEAD BHOY…Efe Ambrose puts the pressure on Hibs defender Paul Hanlon. Thomas Rogne looks on.
FLATTENED…Georgios Samaras lies in the Kilmarnock goalmouth after a clash with keeper Cammy Bell.
JOY BHOYS…Scott Brown, Gary Hooper, Adam Matthews and Joe Ledley celebrate a goal.
GOAL…Gary Hooper knocks a cross beyond beaten keeper Jamie MacDonald.
BEST FOOT FORWARD…Joe Ledley fires in a shot as the Inverness Caley Thistle defenders converge on him.
HIGH HOPES…Gary Hooper lofts the ball over Caley Thistle keeper Reguero.
TOUCHLINE TUSSLE…James Forrest with Caley Thistle defender David Raven.
RISE AND SHINE…Victor Wanyama puts the pressure on the Caley Thistle goal.
WHOOSH…Georgios Samaras slams in an unstoppable shot against the Highlanders.
FANS’ FAVOURITE…Samaras takes the applause.
HEAD MAN…Joe Ledley with some natty headgear.
FLYING THE FLAG…Neil Lennon celebrates at the end.
I DID IT MY WAY…Lennon at the microphone to thank the support.
CHAMPIONS…the Celtic players prepare for the celebrations.Â
