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One Celtic manager departed after Parkhead chiefs failed to stump up serious cash for a blockbuster striker or two. But the wily old caretaker managed to get a tune out of a couple of bargain buy frontmen. There are not many who would have predicted Martin O’Neill would be back in the Celtic dugout once more following the shock Brendan Rodgers exit. Even less would have stuck cash on Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand – who cost Harley half a million between them – being Hampden heroes. Likewise, good luck finding anyone who expected 36-year-old Danny Rohls in charge of Rangers – and giving Rangers fans some optimism amidst the disappointment of defeat in this epic, thrilling Premier Sports Cup semi-final classic. O’Neill’s name echoed around the famous old bowl after 120 minutes that took the breath away . Kenny struck the opener but 10 men Gers battled back with James Tavernier notching from the spot after Theo Aasgaard was sent off just before half-time. And the extra man advantage told in extra time with Callum McGregor ’s drive fooling Jack Butland before sub Osmand settled it with a third. Any thoughts this would be a repeat of the Ibrox snooze fest earlier in the season went out the window after about three seconds when all Hell broke loose. This one hit boiling point from the off and never cooled. Celtic drew first blood and it was no surprise after grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. Kenny made the breakthrough after 26 minutes with his brilliant glancing header from Arne Engels’ corner, after giving Jayden Meghhoma the slip. The Ibrox men had already had a let off after Nico Raskin’s bizarre own goal – after bag of nerves Nasser Djiga slammed a clearance off the Belgian – was ruled out by VAR for offside. Celts piled on the pressure yet Rangers had chances to level – and £8m man Youssef Chermiti was found wanting with a couple of gilt-edge opportunities spurned. Gers were right up against it after Aasgaard was sent packing before half-time after leaving his boot in high on Anthony Ralston. And Auston Trusty might have been a little fortunate to escape with a yellow at the other end when he caught Jack Butland on the head with a late on. The second period was just as wild. Celtic piled in for a second and missed a glut of chances with Benjamin Nygren and subs James Forrest, Osmand and Red Hatate either missing or being denied by Butland’s heroics. The longer it wore on without a second the more Gers grew in belief. It went soaring after Djeidi Gassama was only stopped by a laser gasp challenge from Liam Scales. And moments later they were level when the winger’s low drive cannoned off the arm of the diving Ralston. Celts passed up more chances at the death but they forged ahead early in extra time when Butland got flummoxed by McGregor’s swerving rocket. And Osmand sealed the deal when he slid in to bury Kieran Tierney’s low cross and write another O’Neill chapter in the history books. Here's 5 talking points from Hampden. Martin O’Neill is adamant he’s here for the short term – but he might not get much choice now. The caretaker’s hero status is already secure, yet here was another level to the legend standing. O'Neill proved his return was no nostalgic gesture. His gameplan worked a treat. Celtic were direct at times, going long, but then mixing it up by working it wide and poking holes in the Gers back five. Rangers couldn’t cope with the relentless intensity. Celts should have had it wrapped up long before they did but there might be another big decision to come – will O’Neill be in charge for the Final and beyond? On the other side, Danny Rohl had his doubters when he came in – but not any more. It wasn’t plain sailing for the Gers boss. It was understandable sticking with his 3-5-2 line up after recent weeks but it got picked apart in the first half. Going down to 10 was a major test but if anything Rohl’s side were actually BETTER a man down. The shape was solid and they carried a threat. They had to hang on at times but they staying in the game and got the rewards in normal time. Rohl really had to show his mettle up against a vasty experienced O’Neill and a squad that has shown it can be flaky at times, even within games. It was a seriously impressive show from the young manager and while he might have fell short, Rangers fans should be more optimistic about the future. Frontmen have been big talking points all season for both clubs – and yet again here. Celtic’s lack of options has been clear but a couple of unlikely men have stepped up to the plate. Johnny Kenny was superb for starters with the Irish lad causing havoc along the Gers backline, including his glancing opener. And what about Callum Osmand? The kid was almost a forgotten signing but now could be a huge part of the immediate future. The former Fulham kid was a livewire off the bench and sealed it with a deadly third. In contrast, Youssef Chermiti missed a couple of gilt eyed chances in the first half and struggled with his task of stopping Callum McGregor. Rangers showed heart but they were defensibly dodgy – and it stemmed from Nasser Djiga. He took a fresh air swipe in the first couple of minutes to let Celtic in and never seemed to recover. The ruled out own goal was another bungling moment at the back and he never looked comfortable with or without the ball. Djiga’s struggles seemed to spread uncertainty right through the side and it’s a problem area for Rohl. There have been wild claims this season Callum McGregor is over the hill. King of the hill more like. McGregor might have struggled at times this season with Celts stuttering but the skipper was back to his inspirational best for his side here. He was gutted at the departure of Brendan Rodgers as the pair were joined at the hip. But there is a reason the midfielder is such an influential leader in this Celtic squad and one of the club’s all time great captains. The goal was superb but McGregor’s all round display was even better.
