Hampden hero moving on
Next season four of Wednesday’s SFA Youth Cup winning team will continue their career’s elsewhere with the right-back going out in glory with an impressive showing against Rangers at Hampden.
Captain Matty Hughes, left-back Keiran Brennan, midfielder Callum Bagshaw and O’Donnell were all told a month ago that they wouldn’t be offered new deals with Newmains bhoy O’Donnell, who was involved in both goals at Hampden, delighted to sign off in style.
“It was a brilliant feeling to get the win,” he said after the drama of Wednesday night. “It was a frightening experience. There was nerves, panic, delight and a few other emotions involved.
“But to be part of a Celtic team that beat Rangers in a cup final is something special. We survived the pressure and thoroughly deserved our win.
“I was overjoyed to see the winner go in then join in the celebrations after the final whistle. Everyone from the ‘keeper Nick Feely to Keats who is out injured was enjoying themselves, Michael Ordish who left recently was there and that was fantastic to see.
“I almost scored in extra-time but was pleased with my performance over the match. Individuals don’t matter in a final, it’s about the team and we managed to pass it about reasonably well and deserved the win.”
Even in the midst of the celebrations that greeted Gormley’s winner coach Stevie Frail was drilling into the players the need to keep their concentration.
“When Liam scored and we were celebrating I got an earful from Stevie for losing the ball a minute earlier,” O’Donnell added. “At this club they strive for perfection, if they don’t do that they’re not doing their job.
“I’ve got to give credit to Stevie and Tommy, they didn’t let us get carried away after scoring, they made sure that we screwed the nut and got to the final whistle.”
Twelve months earlier the Bosnian-Swede had missed the final through injury but savoured every moment of this year’s triumph.
“I was injured last season after scoring in the league against Rangers,” the striker recalled. “ I had to watch the final last year and felt a bit sad missing out. This time I got a chance to go on and felt that I took it well.
“It was a brilliant feeling, a big achievement to win the cup in front of so many fans who gave us great encouragement. My parents had travelled over from Sweden and that made it extra special.
“Next season with the u-19s we have another double to go for. I want to do that also to be pushing towards the first team, to train with them and get as involved as much as I can.”
Tomorrow’s match with Hearts kicks off at 11am at Lennoxtown and can be followed on twitter.
Stephen O’Donnell is sponsored by O’Donnell Catering a division of Loaves and Fishes.
CELTIC U-19?s CLINCH DOUBLE DOUBLE