MARTIN O’NEILL just keeps finding ways to dump Ibrox opposition out of Cup tournaments.
In November, during his first spell as interim manager following the sudden exit of Brendan Rodgers the previous month, the Irishman faced Danny Rohl’s team for the first time in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final.
After leading the team to a 4-0 Premiership victory over Falkirk at Parkhead in his first comeback match in midweek, O’Neill headed to Hampden three days later.
On this occasion, the Hoops were forced into extra-time after a controversial late penalty-kick from James Tavernier nullified Johnny Kenny’s first-half header.
Up stepped Callum McGregor to play a captain’s part as he walloped No.2 past Jack Butland and youngster Callum Osmand made certain with a third near the end of the added-on period.
BY THE LEFT…Auston Trusty whips in Celtic’s second penalty-kick.
An extra half-hour was also required in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox yesterday and penalty-kicks came into play with both teams still locked in a scoreless stalemate.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Auston Trusty and Reo Hatate took exemplary spot-kicks to give O’Neill’s men the advantage.
The home side missed two – ironically, one from Tavernier – which provided Tomas Cvancara the opportunity to sink No.4 behind Butland to make certain of a semi-final place against St Mirren next month.
The giant Czech Republic international forward made no mistake as he rolled the ball low into the keeper’s right-hand corner of the net with the Ibrox No.1 heading off in the opposite direction.
The tension-laden spot-kick shoot-out is well worth a second look, courtesy of those good folk at Celtic TV Unique Angle.
Please enjoy!
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