Cup finals are about match winners whether it’s Gary Hooper, Kris Commons of even Joe Doumbe.
Brendan Rodgers has plenty to call on today as he sends out his Celtic side to lift the Betfred Cup to underline their early season dominance of the Scottish game.
Wins over Motherwell, Alloa and Sevco have taken the hoops to Hampden but it’s in the SPFL that Celtic have marked themselves out as a cut above the rest.
Wins at home and away against Aberdeen will offer a huge boost as the two teams walk out at Hampden today.
Moussa Dembele has grabbed most of the headlines this season but it’s been the shape and attacking emphasis of the side that has allowed the striker to flourish.
Scott Sinclair’s injury is a big blow to Celtic’s plans but with Rodgers flexible approach there are number of alternatives all geared towards putting the ball into the penalty box.
In recent seasons Hampden has been a place for Celtic fans to dread, if Rodgers can get his side to play to their capabilities then there are a number of players who can be the headline grabbers.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
After two matches without a goal the stage is set for Dembele at Hampden.
He has shown that he has the nerve for the big occasion, and in the semi-final retained his composure when things weren’t going his way.
Attention will be on the young French striker but as he demonstrated in the Champions League, especially away to Borussia Monchengladbach, he has the game and the mentality to make an impact in any circumstances.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
A cup final place, and winners medal would provide some consolation for a frustrating start to the season.
Since picking up an early season hamstring injury he has seemed too anxious to make an impression- he clearly has the trust of his manager.
Griffiths showed in the semi-final against Sevco that he can form a strong partnership with Dembele, his instict around goal could be vital on a day for winners.
JAMES FORREST
Looked to be full of confidence against Barcelona on Wednesday night- with his injury woes behind him he has the opportunity to develop his potential.
With Patrick Roberts for competition Forrest has been one of the revelations of the season with few expecting him to get a look in under the new manager.
After Scott Brown he is now the longest serving player at the club, Hampden looks like the sort of stage he can showcase his talent on- and deliver telling results.
STUART ARMSTRONG
Has found the net recently- and also conjured up some spectacular Sebo moments!
Confidence is the key and he seems to be rediscovering the Dundee United form that earned him a move to Celtic almost two years ago.
Rising to the occasion is something that defines true Celtic players- putting in a dominating shift in a cup final is much more meaningful than starring in a succession of league wins.
SCOTT BROWN
Do the Aberdeen fans not like Broony!
The feeling seems mutual with the Celtic skipper usually involved in the thick of the action with the Dons players and supporters.
These games tend to bring out the best in the midfielder who scored an astonishing winner at Pittodrie in May 2014 even though the title was already won.
Seeing the Broony at Hampden would be a fitting way to celebrate the 100th trophy lifted by the born again skipper.