It is hard enough for opponents to outfox Celtic without Scottish football’s dominant force turning to the bench for some extra ammunition.
Yang was the hero in Paisley last week and it was the turn of Luke McCowan to produce another sizzling cameo from the bench to condemn Hibs to a 2-0 Scottish Cup quarter final defeat as he provided the spark from the bench to seal another trip to Hampden.
And now Celtic fans are making their case for the former Dundee star to start against Rangers if captain Callum McGregor comes up short after being substituted for the second consecutive game. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “While Daizen Maeda deservedly got man of the match, the introduction of Luke McCowan ensured Celtic moved up a gear in getting over the line. It’s satisfying to know he can fill McGregor’s position seamlessly and revenge for the 3-0 loss is on the cards next Sunday.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, added: “It was certainly not a great performance from Celtic against a Hibs team who I thought were excellent defensively but did more than enough to win the game and take another step towards yet another treble. Yet another clean sheet at home and no injuries ahead of Sunday’s friendly against one of Europe’s ‘finest’ was also a plus point.
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Not so much ‘Sunshine on Leith’ for Hibs at the home of the champions, more of a ‘Hail Hail the Celts are here’ as their 15 game unbeaten run is ended by an excellent performance from the champions at the crunch period of the season. Looks like Celtic are just coming to the boil right on time, as they usually do.”
The King of Jambos, and the prince of wind-ups, was back with maroon specs on to wind up his eternal rivals across the city. Davy Cook, Edinburgh, joked: “My heart is broken as the Hibs fans sing ‘I’m full of sorrow’ that we won’t be having another salt n sauce Cup final now that the sunshine has gone down on Leith.”
Rangers fans have had quite enough of the snipes aimed in their direction as they turned their glare on Celtic’s European record. Alfie Mullen, London, said: “Sean McGarvey says that Rangers are officially the worst team to have played in the Champions League. He must have missed this year’s competition. 2 of Celtic’s opponents, in the new format, surpassed Rangers’ record.”
And a familiar face was in the crosshairs of those in the blue corner once more. George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Once again Celtic flopped in Europe with only three wins all at home in 10 games against dross and were only still in after Xmas due to the format being changed. For the last 25 years or more they have been humiliated and been an embarrassment in Europe particularly in away matches and knockout ties yet
“Gordon Ashley uses the word humiliation in connection with a Rangers performance . This is because despite his club possibly heading for a treble the poor man is still only interested in talking about his main interest and obsession which is Rangers.”
But not all Rangers claims were supported with one shout being laughed away over their trophy record in recent years. Sean Beech, Hampshire. said: “So according to Mr Flett winning Cups and Leagues in Scottish football isn’t worth celebrating – easy to say when your team isn’t winning anything. Guess he’s one of those Rangers fans that didn’t celebrate winning the League Cup last year then – aye right.”
And the final call is on something completely different. Jim Joseph, Fort William, is sick and tired of football fans being made out to be a constant problem. “I have had enough of punters, both those who go to games and those who like to watch the action in the house, being demonised by those in power. Average Joe can’t have a pint in the ground with his pals while the rich dine on champagne. It’s the same with firesticks. I don’t have one but how can broadcasters not see obscene prices are driving consumers to seek out alternative methods? Reform is needed before the game is gone.”