Ninety minutes before kick-off Anthony Stokes got the news he wanted to hear- ‘You’re starting.’
At the third time of asking the striker was given the nod in a Hampden final after sitting on the bench previously against Rangers and Motherwell.
Stokes came off the bench to score against Dundee United last week but despite failing to find the net at Hampden his contribution will be remembered for years to come.
Two devastating crosses for Gary Hooper put Celtic in control before the defence splitting pass to Mikael Lustig that created the third goal of the afternoon highlighted the contribution of the former Hibs striker.
A new contract is close to being completed with the Dubliner happy with life at Celtic and his relationship with the manager.
“It was a boost to get the nod to start but I’ve said before that I know the gaffer rotates the squad,” Stokes explained.
“You are never certain of starting any game with the quality we have in the squad.
“You just do your best in training and try to impress in the games. After that, it’s up to the gaffer and it’s out of your hands.
“It seems to be working as we’re getting the results. I was delighted to play but even more delighted to get the result and finish the season on a high.
“I just want to get myself in the team, playing on the big occasions. It’s been an exceptional season with the great run in Europe.
“To finish the campaign with a Double has left everyone in the dressing-room delighted.”
Playing together the Stokes and Hooper partnership has rarely let Celtic down. With Kris Commons on form the trio have a telepathic understanding, instinctively knowing what each other will be doing and the service that they like.
Whether Hooper will be part of the side next season remains to be seen with Stokes hopeful that yesterday wasn’t the last time he’d team up with the former Scunthorpe striker.
“I’d like an opportunity of playing with Gary in the Champions League,” he added.
“He’s an exceptional player and, once you get into positions like I was, you know just to put it into an area.
“Gary is always going to be there. He’s got on the end of two balls here and it’s two goals. That’s what you get.
“Give him chances and he takes them. 30-odd goals this season is hard to replace, so I’m sure everybody at the club wants him to stick around as long as possible.”
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Hooper and stokes r just the nest for team as every one else, but it would be sad to hooper go, as I think he has learn his stop off were he is today, he’s never off and everyone looks up to him, and I thk he will be miss by all the fans around world, and the club, for hooper n most of the lads the club wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them, hope will stick around for a long time cuming,