The fact that Celtic are going for a record-breaking 8th domestic treble this afternoon has been largely overlooked in the media as Ange Postecoglou’s future has dominated the headlines over the past week. Spurs’ reported interest in the Australian has intensified as the week has progressed, with one betting company suspending bets being placed on Ange becoming the new Tottenham manager.
Ange himself has remained tight-lipped over where his future lies, insisting that his focus remains on the here and now and preparing Celtic for today’s Cup final. However, there is a growing feeling amongst the Celtic support that today could be Ange’s last dance as Celtic manager.
As Paul John Dykes noted in an earlier column, the lure of the English Premiership and the opportunity to thrive in the richest league in the world may ultimately prove too strong for Ange. But for now, the focus of attention is on today and giving Ange either the best send-off or another reason to stay by winning the treble.
Reasons to be wary
Standing in Celtic’s way is Inverness Caledonian Thistle, a club we have previous with in this competition. Super Caley famously went ballistic against John Barnes’ atrocious Celtic back in 2000; Martin O’Neill’s UEFA Cup-final-bound side fell 1-0 in Inverness in 2003; and Ronnie Deila was a handball away from taking Celtic to the final in 2015.
Knowing Ange as we do, the manager will have blocked out the noise surrounding his future this week to ensure that his Celtic side does not join that unenviable list.
Having suffered a dip in form after wrapping up the league title, Celtic returned to their best last weekend with a thumping 5-0 win against Aberdeen. Ange returned to playing his full-strength side in the fixture, with the starting line-up from last Saturday likely to be the one that starts today.
On form Celtic to be too strong
The fixture saw Kyogo return to the starting eleven and get his name on the scoresheet twice before being taken off as a precaution after suffering a knock. His replacement Oh also scored a double as the South Korean looks to stake his claim as a genuine contender for the lone centre-forward role.
Right back Alistair Johnston was another who returned to the team following injury last weekend and will aiming to start his second cup final since signing in January. The Canadian has made a big impact in his short time at the club and already proving to be a fan favourite with his committed playing style endearing him to the support.
While Johnston is out to claim his third honour with Celtic, club captain Callum McGregor is in line to take his tally to 20 major domestic honours should Celtic lift the trophy today.
Today’s opponents, Inverness, have not played a competitive fixture since losing to Ayr United on the 5th May. The Highland side finished the Championship season in 6th place and really should not pose a genuine threat to Celtic’s treble ambitions. However, as history has shown, they are not a team that we can take afford to take lightly if we want to avoid another upset.
Monday morning and the rumours of Ange’s potential departure can wait. Today may well be his last dance as Celtic manager, but there is a treble to won and a reputation to be maintained. You can bet your life that Ange has the players laser-focused on bringing the Scottish Cup home to Paradise for the 41st time.
Kevin McCluskie
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