Glasgow: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised the bravery of his players as they created history by defeating Aberdeen 2-1 to lift the Scottish Cup and end the entire season unbeaten.
The Hoops fell behind to an early Jonny Hayes strike before Stuart Armstrong’s leveller and Australian international Tom Rogic’s dramatic stoppage time strike sealed only the fourth domestic treble in the club’s 129-year history.
“The players showed remarkable courage to go and play and get the result,” Rodgers said after his side sealed their first clean sweep since 2001.
“It was a very tough game and to win it the way we did was special.
“We had to really respond and show why we are champions, to come from behind to play the way we did in the second half.
“It is a fantastic achievement and it will take a few days to sink in.”
A record-extending 37th Scottish Cup win was the cap on a remarkable season as the Glasgow giants become the first Scottish team to land all three honours and end an entire season unbeaten domestically.
“It is a monumental achievement and the players have made history,” Rodgers said.
“Coming in my job was to try and impose an identity in how we play.
“We have created that. Over the course of the season, our work, our game model and now we can build on that.
“We set a standard right back at the beginning which has only fallen short in one training session and that was on Thursday.
“Whether there was maybe a little bit of floating about in the mind having won the league and a wee bit of a celebratory feel, but the session was cut short.
“In every game we have found a solution. That’s 47 games domestically unbeaten — it’s an incredible achievement by them.
“Thankfully I took over a group of players who were very keen, hungry, coachable and willing to learn.”
Rodgers now joins legendary manager Jock Stein and Martin O’Neill as only the third Celtic manager to lead the Glasgow giants to a clean sweep in the week the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of their European Cup win.
“It is a huge honour when you consider what they’ve achieved and you see how difficult it is,” the Celtic manager said.
“To have achieved that in my first season alongside everything else that we’ve done is very humbling.
“I still get a funny feeling and it doesn’t sit quite right with me when I hear comparisons.
“Jock was the real big pioneer of leading the club the way it wanted to go. Martin did an incredible job here and history will judge me.
“I’ve only just begun really. When I leave here people will look on what I did.
“It’s been truly enjoyable and for me it’s a privilege to manage the club and it’s a real special feeling for me today.”
Rogic said scoring the winning goal at Hampden was a dream come true after a season disrupted by injury.
“It’s hard to put into words,” the Socceroo star said.
“We knew what it meant to the fans, it’s unbelievable.
“People think these cup competitions are easier than they are but to go through the season without losing shows the quality we have.”
It was a disappointing end to the season for Aberdeen, who finished as runners-up to Celtic in all competitions.
Dons manager Derek McInnes said Rogic’s fine finish had been the difference. “It’s been a long season with a tight squad and the boys have given absolutely everything,” McInnes said.
“There was nothing in the game except we lacked a wee bit of legs and impetus to keep going forward and apply pressure.
“It was a proper final. We played our part and were close to winning but unfortunately we haven’t.
“It was a class finish from Rogic and sometimes you have to applaud it. It was the difference between the two sides.”
