OSMAND ALIVE!

Rodgers demanded strikers but O'Neil's doing fine with forgotten Callum and bargain Johnny up top

- MICHAEL GANNON

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 this epic, thrilling Premier Sports Cup semifinal classic.

O'Neill's name echoed around the famous old bowl after 120 minutes that took the breath away.

Kenny struck the opener but the 10 men of the Light Blues battled back with James Tavernier notching from the spot after Theo Aasgaard was sent off just before halftime.

And the extra-man advantage told in extra time, with Callum McGregor's drive fooling Ibrox keeper Jack Butland before sub Osmand settled it with a third goal.

Any thoughts this would be a repeat of the Ibrox snooze-fest earlier in the season went out the window after about three seconds when all hell broke loose.

This one hit boiling point from the off and never cooled.

Celtic drew first blood and it was no surprise after grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck.

Kenny made the breakthrough after 26 minutes with his brilliant glancing header from Arne Engels' corner, after giving fullback Jayden Meghhoma the slip.

Rangers men had already had a let-off.

Nico Raskin's bizarre own goal - after bag-of-nerves defender Nasser Djiga slammed a clearance off the Belgian - was ruled out by VAR for offside.