The Hampden matchwinners
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Despite the result in Paris Celtic are still by some distance the dominant club in Scotland- of their next 64 matches against Scottish clubs it’s unlikely that they’ll lose more than three of those games assuming Brendan Rodgers remains as manager.
Some fantasists will read what they wish into the defeat from PSG but the reality of the Scottish game is that the best non-Celtic player in the country last season struggles to get onto the Celtic bench.
In May Jonny Hayes gave Aberdeen hope of winning the Scottish Cup with an early goal but by the time Tom Rogic scored the winner Derek McInnes’ side had been ran ragged.
During that match Rogic had replaced the injured Kieran Tierney, the Australian would be the star man and first pick at every SPFL Premiership side.
At Hampden Brendan Rodgers will pick between the two best strikers in Scotland to lead the line, in the Scottish Cup Final it was Griffiths, a year ago in the Betfred Cup Final Moussa Dembele was preferred.
Rodgers is well aware of the gloating that has followed Celtic’s defeat in France. He is close to the Celtic support and knows the pride that they will take to Hampden filling over 40,000 seats to cheer their club to a fourth successive domestic trophy.
The Irishman mixes his managerial know how in with the passion that comes from the fans. There will be no hangover from PSG with the side freshened up ahead of three matches in seven days against Motherwell.
The inspiration at Hampden will come from within- the Celtic side will be playing for the support, the traditions and history of the club and a manager who has transformed every player at the club.
Stephen Robinson and Motherwell have did well to reach the final, they play to their strengths but after their wins over Aberdeen and Sevco they will encounter something very different tomorrow at Hampden as a glance at the Celtic bench at kick off time will confirm.
STUART ARMSTRONG
A year ago he was really coming in to form, adding a greater edge to the Celtic side initially alongside Scott Brown then replacing Rogic in a more attacking role.
Armstrong revels in the big occasion, Hampden will be his stage as he strives to add another winners medal to his collection.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
A year ago he missed out on a final appearance after injuring his hamstring against Barcelona.
He’ll come in for Callum McGregor and provide the vital link between Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele as Celtic pound Motherwell down the left.
PATRICK ROBERTS
In a cup tie managers like to pick match winners with the on loan Manchester City winger capable of turning in a Hampden master class.
Against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup he came close to dominating, Motherwell’s journeymen defenders won’t have any legal answer to the trickery of Roberts.