Stevie Frail watched Celtic destroy Sevco 5-2 then said- I think that we can play better.
The scoreline told only part of the story with the performance of the Celtic players on a different level to their lower division opponents.
Playing with passion and purpose Celtic swept forward from all angles as they made full use of Hampden’s vast spaces.
The attendance inside ground was restricted but worldwide hoops fans tuned in to see who is coming through the ranks.
Aidan Nesbitt with a hat-trick certainly caught the eye but arguments could be made for most of the players as they rose to the occasion to deliver the Little Big Shots Youth Cup back to Celtic Park.
“The level of performance was good but I think that we can play better,” Frail stated after celebrating the success in the Celtic dressing room. “But I won’t take anything away from that sort of performance- in a cup final at the National Stadium it was first class.
“Once we scored we settled down, we conceded an equaliser right away but showed character and resolve when it was needed.
“Getting two goals before half time settled things down, at the interval we told them that the next goal would be vital. Thankfully we got that then the fifth was the icing on top of the cake.”
Looking at Nesbitt’s contribution Frail added: “Aidan showed that he can finish, we can play him in a variety of positions up front but decided to get him on the right. He played there in the semi-final against Hibs and was excellent in that match as well.
“He scored some great goals. I liked his second, Luke (Donnelly) attacked the centre-back’s then slid Aidan in, we needed him to finish it and he put it in the top corner- a brilliant finish.”
To reach Hampden last night required more than 11 players with the full squad needed to negotiate past Hamilton and Hibs in the two previous rounds.
Goalkeeper Jordan Hart defied Hamilton with a string of great saves and recovered from misjudging a Calum Waters header that went into his own net to play a significant part in the success.
“Jordan Hart did really well,” Frail added. “There was a mix up for their equaliser but after that he was first class. He came and took the ball when he had to, calmed things down and talked the side through.”
Looking at the bigger picture the Celtic coach added: “I can’t speak highly enough about the players, this level isn’t all about winning but it is when it comes to a cup final, especially at this club. If we can develop players and win cups at the same time that is our job.
“It’s always about bringing players through, we had three u-17’s (Calvin Miller, Regan Hendry and Mark Hill) away on international duty away for the Hibs semi final.
“Innes Murray, Rory Currie and Anthony Ralston came in, they were in the Glasgow Cup winning side and we’ve them stepping up next season and other younger prospects coming into the u-17 set up to take their place.”