OSMAND ALIVE!

Rodgers demanded strikers but O'Neill's doing fine with forgot- ten Callum and bargain Johnny up

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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 hitman.

There are not many who would have predicted Martin O'Neill would be back in the Celtic dugout following the shock Brendan Rodgers exit.

Even less would have stuck cash on Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand - who cost hardly half a million quid between them - being Hampden heroes.

Likewise, good luck finding anyone who expected 36-year-old Danny Rohl in charge of Rangers - and giving Gers fans some optimism amid the disappointment of defeat in Belgian - was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Celts piled on the pressure yet Gers had chances to level - and £8million man Youssef Chermiti was found wanting with a couple of gilt-edged opportunities spurned.

Gers were right up against it after Aasgaard was sent packing before halftime 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 Butland on the head with a late on.

The second period was just as wild.

Celtic piled in for a second goal and missed a glut of chances with Benjamin Nygren and subs James Forrest, Osmand and Rea Hatate either missing or being denied by Butland's heroics.

The longer it wore on without the Hoops breaking through, the more Gers grew in belief.