Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic move a step closer to Scottish treble after Cup semi-final win over Rangers

Ange Postecoglou’s “relentless” Celtic has taken another step – at the expense of rivals Rangers – towards the Scottish treble.

Celtic’s Jota celebrates after scoring against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final. Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Ange Postecoglou says Celtic is on the verge of “something special” after reaching the Scottish Cup final with 1-0 win over Rangers at Hampden Park.

A first-half Jota goal and a superb defensive display from man-of-the-match Cameron Carter-Vickers propelled the Hoops to a semi-final win over their arch rivals.

Celtic will now start as raging favourites in the Cup final on June 3 against second-tier club Inverness Caledonian Thistle,

Having already won the Scottish League Cup, and also on the verge of claiming another Scottish Premiership – perhaps as early as this weekend when they meet Hearts – the Hoops would secure a domestic treble with victory over Inverness.

“We’ve got a big month coming up where hopefully we can do something special that’s memorable to everybody,” Hoops manager Postecoglou told Celtic TV.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance and a very good chance.

“I’m really proud of the whole group’s progress. It’s been remarkable the way they’ve embraced every challenge.

“It’s not easy meeting the expectations of this football club but from my perspective, everything they’ve done to put us in this position has been outstanding.”

Celtic teammates Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers (20 embrace as fallen Rangers attacker Fashion Sakala shows his despair after the Scottish Cup semi-final. Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Postecoglou praised his side’s resilience against a Rangers side that pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half.

“We had to earn it and work hard. and it’s just a testament to the progress of this group of players that they’re just not going to yield,” the former Socceroos coach said.

“It’s a credit to the group, and they’ve embraced that … we want to be known as a team that scores goals and is exciting, but above all, we want to be relentless in our approach.

“It’s not easy to do because you’re asking players to consistently put in an effort which requires not just the physical output but the mental output and strength to do it, and the lads were tremendous in that department.”

Postecoglou said the “outstanding” Carter-Vickers would be sidelined for the rest of the season as the England-born US international required knee surgery.

“That’s Cameron’s last game for us – he needs to get his injury looked at now,” he said.

“He was keen to play (against Rangers) and he put in a performance that befits his standing at our football club. It’s a credit to him.”

Right-back Alistair Johnston – who was seen after the match on crutches and wearing a moon boot – also faces a stint on the sidelines.