Two teams in poor form, mis-firing strikers, a moody top scorer who doesn't do it in the top games and the fact that it's only the League Cup. Signs of this game being a classic were not promising especially given execrable tedium of the last OF "clash" and pre-match rumours of both teams packing the midfield and playing one up front. However, despite recent games, an OF clash is always an occasion and League Cup despite it's third class status is still part of the coveted domestic treble or an important statement of intent in the title race, and lets of course not forget the bragging rights. Of course, the novelty factor of first OF cup final in recent years and the fact that this was Rangers' Walter Smith's first Old Firm final and perhaps even a slightly ghoulish curiosity as to whether this game will be as bad the last one should draw some interest from the neutrals. However against all odds the two teams dished up a display that only resembled the last one only in it's score line after 90 minutes
Rangers missing POTY candidate Boughera meant a rare start of Weir while Celtic without Barry Robson (who was so influential in the climactic OF games of last seasons title run in) went with Gary Caldwell in midfield giving my MOTM Glen Loovens a start partnering McManus. Joining Loovens in the unfamiliar looking back four was Darren O'Dea who looked vulnerable while filling in, albeit playing out of position. Wonder kid John Fleck was deemed perhaps a bit inexperienced at this level so Ranger had to look to Pedro Mendes for any creativity. Gordon Strachan perhaps understandably decided to start with his only on form striker allowing him the luxury of both McGeady and Nakamura while Harltley brought some stability in the centre and give sponsors MOTM Scott Brown the platform to make surging attacking runs.
Rangers started strongly with the bulk of the possession in the first quarter culminating in Papac chance one on one with Boruc although he (along with three others) was well offside. Celtic or more specifically Scot Brown (who seemed perhaps a bit too keyed up as he tripped over the ball repeatedly in opening quarter) took the game by the scruff of the neck. Celtic's first chance fell to Scott McDonald who found himself space form a McGeady cross that he sent well over the bar. Then around about the half mark Brown inspired Celtic made some clear cut chances, first from a surging run, then putting through McGeady who sclaffed his shot wide. Rangers rallied after a McCulloch shot deflected for an easy take for Boruc, a Mendes cut back for Whittaker went flying over the bar. Andreas Hinkel then earned the first booking of the game conceding a free kick in a dangerous position. Mendes attempt went straight into the wall but Rangers kept possession Kyle Lafferty gave Rangers the first attempt on target which forces Boruc in a making a fine save at the cost of a corner. At this stage Rangers had the best chance in the game but overall Celtic were dominant in the midfield where Mendes and to a greater extent Ferguson were very quiet.
The second half was much more even with early chances at both ends from McGeady who in the clear crossed too close to McGregor and at the other end Davis who shot wide after a fine slotted pass from Kenny Miller. Scott Brown was a bit more subdued in the half and seemed to have a communication problems with Caldwell as they repeatedly got in each others way. Nacho Novo, on for Miller, got himself stupidly booked in 5 minutes for protesting about the placement of a free kick from a Weir challenge on the rampant McGeady. The resultant Nakamura free kick was palmed away by McGregor low to his left although it's debatable that it was on target. The best chance of the game then came as a towering Lovvens rocketed a header to the far post only for Mendes to clear it from the line. Fans favourite Kris Boyd then came on for the permanently offside Lafferty and although some may have thought the script had been written for him , he was obviously too lazy to read at as his presence had very little effect apart from a one free header that sailed over the bar harmlessly. Rangers old guard were visibly tiring as the 90 minutes drew to a close.
Extra time stared with a bang as Darren O'Dea's looping header from a Nakamura free kick gave Celtic a deserved lead, the already tiring Rangers team now looked in disarray as foul after foul was made in attempt to stem the tide. Barry Ferguson finally showed a bit of spirit with a little tussle with Neil Lennon as he hurriedly retrieved a ball, too little to late though. The goal hero O'Dea was replaced by Mark Wilson whose pace provided Celtic with a good outlet and McGeady with a bit more space to play in. Mcgeady capitalised of this as he shimmed past an exhausted Broadfoot who desperately took him out of the play earning Celtic a penalty and himself a red card. The young Irish international them added insult to injury slotting away the penalty and putting the result beyond doubt. With St Patricks day approaching it seems the luck of Irish held out today, although Rangers fans may again be looking to Smith's conservative approach which has saw his team go over 300 minutes without a goal against Celtic.
Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Loovens, McManus, O'Dea (Wilson 105), Caldwell, Nakamura, Scott Brown, Hartley (Samaras 72), McGeady, McDonald, Samaras (Vennegoor of Hesselink 120)
Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Crosas
Booked: Hinkel, O'Dea, McGeady, Boruc
Goals: O'Dea 91, McGeady 120 pen
Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Weir, Broadfoot, Papac, Davis, McCulloch (Dailly 82), Ferguson, Mendes, Miller (Novo 58), Lafferty (Boyd 76).
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Edu
Sent Off: Broadfoot (120)
Booked: Novo, Weir, McCulloch
Att: 51,193
Ref: D McDonald | Editor
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