Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Joe Hart had always been designated as Celtic’s fifth penalty taker against Aberdeen.
With Aberdeen missing their fourth penalty Celtic were given the opportunity to seal their place in the final by going 5-3 up in the shoot-out but it was a surprise when none of the outfield players stepped up.
Hart sent his penalty off the post, the drama continued until he saved from Cillian Phillips to book Celtic’s return to Hampden on May 25.
Tomoki Iwata and Alistair Johnston netted after Hart’s miss but speaking after a long afternoon in the sun Rodgers was clear about the order of his penalty takers.
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We looked at penalties during the week and Joe was always designated to take the fifth. He saw their keeper was injured and he tried to get it as wide of him as possible, but it was just a little too wide.
He showed his mentality as he let it go and came up and made the crucial save for us which is so important. He missed one, but he still ended up the hero. Joe’s worked a lot on the mental side of things for a long time now. He’s a very positive, upbeat character. If he has the confidence and he shows he can take them, you have to let him have a go and take the risk.
He is a very good penalty taker as we see it in training. However, he may need a bit more practice before next time. It was a fantastic game and I said to the players never mind football sessions over the next couple of days we need therapy sessions after that! It will hold us in good stead going forward.
After Saturday’s Hampden drama Rodgers will turn his focus fully onto Dundee, the first of five SPFL matches before the Scottish Cup Final.
Winning the first three matches will put Celtic at least six points ahead with two matches to play but after the ups and downs of Hampden nothing can be assumed.
Aberdeen highlighted issues with the Celtic defence that every top six club will have noticed with Rodgers tasked with solving those problems in time for Dens Park on Sunday.
No! Joe proved he couldn’t take a penalty. Joe made at least a couple of saves that kept us in the game.
But he missed and that could have cost us a place in the final and perhaps a Cup and League Double.
Why take the risk?
Just beggars belief that Rodgers would be okay with that!