Seven years ago today Neil Lennon’s new look Celtic side handed Rangers (IL) a footballing lesson.
It was a roller coaster first season in charge for the Irishman as he came to terms with rebuilding the hoops against Walter Smith’s EBT fuelled stars.
Since the opening Glasgow derby fixture, when Willie Collum gave a penalty with his back turned to the play, the hoops had been to Ibrox twice and showed that there was no inferiority complex.
A double from Georgios Samaras earned an unexpected win before New Year while Chris Commons and Scott Brown netted in an epic cup tie with a memorable replay a fortnight away.
On this day in 2011, Celtic beat Rangers 3-0. @HOOP588 scores a double with Commons grabbing the other. Hooper’s first is a top drawer team goal. pic.twitter.com/FMLeidl1to
— CelticLisboa (@CelticLisboa) February 20, 2018
On a sunny Sunday lunchtime Celtic Park was packed with expectation with the hoops flying out the traps to deliver in style.
Within half an hour a double from Gary Hooper had put Celtic in front, there should have been more but there was ‘only’ a Kris Commons goal to celebrate after the break.
There was no title to celebrate at the end of the season but a marker had been put down and the future was most certainly Green and White.
FRASER FORSTER
After arriving on loan from Newcastle the giant keeper was still coming to terms with the demands and expectations at Celtic.
The first Glasgow derby hadn’t worked out well while his involvement in the recent Scottish Cup tie had ended with a red card.
On this day he had little to do, stood back and soaked up the atmosphere as a significant marker was laid about how the next few years were shaping up.
MARK WILSON
Was in the best form of his Celtic career after taking over from Cha Du Ri at the new year, a fortnight later he was to score a memorable goal in the Scottish Cup replay against Rangers (IL).
Izaguirre was attracting a lot of attention in the other full-back position but Wilson was proving very effective on the right.
With an assist from Stephen Craigan he enjoyed another memorable moment but these days he can be found in the media pack after a brief stint in management with Airdrie United.
DANIEL MAJSTOROVIC
Big Dan was brought in to add some steel and experience to the lively young side that Neil Lennon was constructing.
He wasn’t the most mobile but that wasn’t in the job description when he was brought in after a contract dispute with AEK Athens.
There was still another year to go in his Celtic career before a cruciate knee injury effectively ended his playing career. He is currently based in Sweden working as an agent.
CHARLIE MULGREW
His Celtic career was transformed by his display in the 2-0 festive win over Rangers (IL) at Ibrox.
Like the team Mulgrew’s career came on leaps and bounds playing a key role in winning the title the following season.
His Celtic career virtually ended with the departure of Neil Lennon although he is now making a big impression as Blackburn push for promotion back to the Championship.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
After years of problems Celtic suddenly found themselves with an outstanding left-back.
With change out of £1m the little Honduran made a huge impact in his debut season, his run and cross for Gary Hooper’s second goal summed things up perfectly.
An ankle break in August brought his momentum to a halt, he did go on to pick up six championship winners medals but is now playing his football out in Saudi Arabia with Al Feiha.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper was on the crest of a wave following his goal at Ibrox and more importantly his celebration.
At this stage in his career he was mainly playing on the right of a midfield four but his influence on the team was growing.
Brown’s career goes from strength to strength as recognised by successive managers, his value to Celtic has never been greater than under Brendan Rodgers.
BERAM KAYAL
There were reports than Manchester United were considering a £10m offer for the midfielder who made a massive impact in his debut season.
Unfortunately injuries were never far away with a certain Victor Wanyama arriving in the summer of 2011.
Sadly his Celtic career petered out on the quiet, he did help Brighton to promotion to the EPL last season but has been a squad player this term.
JOE LEDLEY
Was in at the heart of the side that Lennon was building, not as showy as Kayal but highly effective.
During his time at Celtic he came up with a number of important goals but as his contract ticked away it seemed inevitable that he would move on.
In January 2014 he moved on to Crystal Palace, two years later he was in the semi-finals of the European Championships and is now helping Derby County towards promotion to the EPL.
KRIS COMMONS
What a start the new boy made- a goal after five minutes on his debut at Hampden quickly followed by derby goals at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
Commons kicked the team on as soon as he arrived but had his ups and downs during six and a half years at the club.
A very public fall out with Ronny Deila and John Collins away to Molde effectively ended his Celtic career.
He hasn’t announced his retirement but seems to have settled into life in the media.
GEORGIOS SAMARAS
The great enigma was on the crest of a wave after his double at Ibrox in the festive derby win.
For this fixture he would replace Anthony Stokes as the man to partner Gary Hooper in attack in a formation that tended to work.
He left Celtic with Neil Lennon in 2014 and has turned out in various outposts ranging from Saudi Arabia and Turkey to West Brom.
GARY HOOPER
This match highlighted perfectly the quality of the striker signed from Scunthorpe.
Old man Weir was shown a clean pair of heels as Hooper crashed in two goals that brought the stadium to light.
After three seasons at Celtic he headed south of the border but has failed to build on the promise he showed in three goal laden seasons alongside Anthony Stokes.