Celtic

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Ultimately, season 2023-24 has to go down as another successful one for Celtic after the 13th league and cup double was clinched in dramatic fashion by Adam Idah’s late winner at Hampden.

It wasn’t always pretty and success wasn’t guaranteed until the final knockings of the campaign - but as Brendan Rodgers predicted, his side came good at the right time and deservedly collected league title number 54 and Scottish Cup number 42.

Those victories have rightly been celebrated over the past week or so but football fans do not live in the moment for long, with attention quickly turning to what can be achieved in the future - and there is plenty for the Celtic support to be excited about.

For one, the prospect of equalling Rangers’ 55 titles if they can continue their dominance of the Premiership and claim a fourth in a row.

Given the likelihood of some significant investment in the playing squad, with further Champions League riches to swell the coffers once again, they will start next season as hot favourites once more.

But it is the prospect of another tilt at Europe’s biggest prize - under a new format next season, bringing additional games and greater revenue - that should excite them most. Celtic have underperformed in recent campaigns and will hope to put that right.

The make-up of the squad could be quite different as Rodgers seeks to mould and improve it, but will he have to do without the superb Matt O’Riley, sure to attract suitors this summer, and will he look to keep cup final heroes Idah and Paulo Bernardo permanently?

Those questions and many others will be answered over the next few weeks - and the new season will be upon us before we know it.

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English attempts to sum up another entertaining and incident-packed season of Scottish football.

Listen to the full season review on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

It's that time of year again when new kits begin to drop.

Celtic have just unveiled their 2024-25 home strip - and would you believe it? It's green and white.

In the reveal, they say a "Celtic knot collar detail" represents "our strong heritage which unites the club and its fans".

Take a look for yourself below...

Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are showing an interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley, but although Newcastle United and Aston Villa have watched the Denmark 23-year-old in the past, they currently have different priorities. (HITC), external

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has confessed he wished he had signed for Celtic during the new Plymouth Argyle manager's playing days. (The Overlap podcast), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

James Forrest wants to take his electric club form onto the international stage as he looks to make Scotland's Euros squad.

The 32-year-old was a bit-part player for Celtic for the majority of the season, but broke into the side in March and didn't look back, scoring five goals in nine games as Brendan Rodgers' side secured a league and cup double.

"Even in the March international break, I was playing a bounce game for the ones that don’t go internationally against St Mirren at Lennoxtown," he said.

"It just shows you in football that if you keep working hard you get a chance and stuff can change.

"Obviously I’ve played for Scotland before as well, so it’s not anything new, but just the the way it’s happened I’ve not been in a camp for a few years.

"Scotland’s all about players that go there with confidence and we can feed off each other as well."

Scotland boss Steve Clarke will cut two players from his provisional squad before the tournament proper, but Forrest says he isn't looking that far ahead.

"How it’s been with Celtic the last couple of months, I think it’s going to be the same," he said.

"I’m just going to go there and enjoy every day, not even look to the Euro games, just look to the friendlies and just enjoy training and enjoy being a part of it. That’s when I’ve been playing really well the last couple of months.

"Obviously they’ve done really well qualifying and they’ve had a good tight group there. But I think I can add to that and help the boys as well and that’s what I’m looking to do."

Tino
Fan writer

And with one swipe of Adam Idah’s right boot, the 2023-24 season was over with Celtic winning the double.

Given the rollercoaster nature of Brendan Rodgers’ return, it’s not a sentence I was entirely convinced I would be writing following the first half of the campaign.

But this side thought otherwise.

The incredible form Celtic have displayed in the latter part of the season is exactly why the Premiership and Scottish Cup are decked in green and white ribbons once again, and for that the whole group must receive massive credit.

Rodgers indicated in recent weeks that it's 80% mentality when it comes down to the business end, and with leaders like Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Joe Hart on hand to carry that message, it’s ultimately been that experience of lifting silverware that’s taken us over the line.

If you need more evidence, then look no further than McGregor’s post-match comments.

Standing on the Hampden turf at a time when most would have been revelling in the glory, the captain turned his attention to winning back the League Cup that had been lost earlier in the campaign.

This is the mindset that’s earned him 22 trophies for Celtic.

An incredible haul, though still two behind long-term team-mate James Forrest who now sits second in the all-time honours list on 24.

Celtic’s domestic dominance in the modern era is now on par with the legendary Jock Stein side, though European success is the one glaring difference.

And while reality probably prevents any hopes and dreams of that particular feat being repeated any time soon, what the club must now do is return to being competitive on the European stage.

With a talented manager at the helm, with substantial money in the bank and with a re-energised fanbase, now is the time for Celtic to put the foot to the floor and to finally display the level of ambition we’ve all been crying out for.

The time to strike is while the iron’s hot. It’s currently red hot.

Here’s to next season and doing it all over again, and perhaps even a little bit more.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

Celtic are committed to securing Adam Idah on a permanent transfer after the 23-year-old impressed on loan, although Norwich City's sacking of David Wagner and search for a new manager could complicate the transfer of the Republic of Ireland striker who is valued at £6m by the Championship club. (Daily Record), external

Having rejected the opportunity to sign Wilfred Ndidi as his contract ends with Leicester City, Atletico Madrid have made Celtic's Matt O'Riley and Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer their priorities to strengthen their midfield. (Rudy Galetti on X), external

Atletico Madrid are considering moves for Celtic 23-year-old Matt O’Riley along with Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer and Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, but none of the three are more advanced than the other as it stands. (Atletico Universe), external

Celtic are evaluating whether to make a permanent move for Paulo Bernardo, with the 22-year-old midfielder having been told he is not in Benfica's first-team plans after his loan to the Scottish champions and available for £6m. (Ojogo), external

Manager Russell Martin says Southampton are hoping to persuade goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to stay at the club despite the 34-year-old England cap attracting interest from Celtic and other suitors after he broke back into the side to help them win promotion to the Premier League. (Football Scotland), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland goalkeeper Gemma Fay anticipates a busy summer transfer window at Celtic, as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to build on a successful first season back in Scotland.

Celtic won both the league and Scottish Cup this season, but Fay still believes Rodgers will want more consistency for the next campaign.

"It's not been a typical Celtic season," she told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's not been a consistently dominant season. We've had fits and starts and whatnot throughout the year.

"So I think Brendan Rodgers next year would like to build that level of consistency of performance into the squad in the domestic game.

"What's the likelihood O'Riley is going to be there? We don't know.

"Adam Idah brings you something different upfront, but when asked he said he's still a contracted Norwich player, standard answer. That's not him saying he doesn't want to be here.

"Joe Hart's obviously gone, so that position needs to be filled as well as some tightening up in defence. Rodgers won't be standing still."

Image source, SNS

Cameron Carter-Vickers hailed Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for instilling "calm" in his side en route to a league and cup double.

A successful season wasn't without its wobbles, but Saturday's Scottish Cup final capped off an impressive charge to end the campaign with two pieces of silverware.

United States defender Carter-Vickers says it took time for Northern Irish boss' methods to seep through, but once they did, the rewards were significant.

"There's always a lot of talk before these games about one team's better," he said. "But all the games we've played in this year have been close.

"There's always that belief. To be fair to the manager, I think that's what he did well throughout the season - keep us believing and keep us calm in the group.

"Whenever there's a new manager, it always takes a little bit for their ideas to settle into the group. Throughout the season, I think you can see the fruits of the work that we've done.

"We focus on ourselves and how we want to perform, and if we're confident if we can do that we can win these big games. This season, we have.

Image source, SNS

Adam Idah's Scottish Cup-winning goal was a "fairytale" for the Republic of Ireland striker, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

The on-loan Norwich City frontman popped up in the 90th minute to slam the ball beyond Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland and send Celtic on their way to a Double.

While some were unsure of how the 23-year-old would fare in Scotland having struggled down south, Rodgers insists he always had faith in Idah.

“To score a winning goal in a Scottish Cup final, and especially coming from Ireland, it’s a fairytale really and I’m so pleased for him,” the manager said.

“He came in and he was not playing so much at Norwich, but I’d seen him before and I know the talent he has, and I think he still has so much improvement to make, but I’m really pleased for him.

"It’s different types of goals he’s scored – great headed goals, he’s showed pace in behind and showed composure in penalties, and [in the final] that was a real striker’s goal inside the box."

Rodgers reiterated his view that Idah's arrival has been the turning point in their season, with the Irishman scoring eight goals since moving to Premiership champions.

He added: “For me he’s been the single biggest catalyst of our run-in, certainly since he’s come in back in January, the importance he’s brought to the team, the reference he’s given the team. He’s shared the load with Kyogo and I’m so happy for him.

Celtic defender Greg Taylor has urged manager Brendan Rodgers to make Adam Idah’s loan signing a permanent deal after his Scottish Cup-winning goal on Saturday (The Herald, external)

Read the rest of today's Scottish football gossip here

Celtic fans responded to Saturday's win over Rangers by saying it was not the best Scottish Cup final but one their side deserved to win and gives hope for an even brighter future.

Here's a selection of your views:

Kevin: Not the best performance this season but showed the character and the reason why Celtic are champions.

Peter: Another double. That is what it's all about. Players gave it their all in second half of the season. Superbly lead on and off the field. Big players stood up when it mattered. A few quality signings and we can dominate for years. Hope the Board does what is needed.

Gary: May not have been Celtic best game, but they have the champions mindset.

Jahi: I thought Celtic's season finished well. Fair play to Rangers for pushing them, but the best team definitely won the league and this was a good cup final.

Gordy: Not the greatest performance, but a great result in the end. Brilliant to finish with the double. Adam Idah has showed he's worth a gamble in the summer and offers us something different up front. Overall, a season of ups and downs, but Brendan Rodgers must be backed in the market to improve the team.

Patrick: I've been a doubter, but Adam Idah is a must-sign. He just brings something we don't have elsewhere. Brendan Rodgers needs to do more in this transfer window to cement the dominance next season. Celtic have the bragging rights over the summer.

Anon: We were lucky to survive a stupid challenge by Liam Scales at the end of the first half. We know how to win, despite external factors.

Brian: It was not a classic football match by any means. This showed other side of Celtic we haven't seen much this season. As a group, these players are maturing to a new level.

Steve: Delighted with the cup victory, but as far as the game went, it was poor with nothing much between the two teams. Whilst we can be happy with the double, the board must now back Brendan Rodgers and bring in more quality. This squad might do well in Scotland, but it's not good enough to compete in Europe.

Anon: Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah were both exceptional when they came on and I hope they can remain at Celtic. Losing either would be a major setback. I've a feeling a lot of players will be released or moved on and can only hope Brendan Rodgers brings in four or five excellent players.

Robert: Bit of a dull game with no real clear-cut chances. Then pops up Adam Idah with great awareness to slot the ball home under Jack Butland. So happy for Joe Hart - he deserved that clean sheet. A big summer coming up for us - just hope the board back the manager. Treble next season anyone?

Image source, SNS

Helping Celtic lift the Scottish Cup on Saturday has moved James Forrest out on his own as the second most decorated Celtic player in the history of the Glasgow club.

The 32-year-old, recalled to the Scotland squad after breaking back into Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up at the end of the season, has now earned 24 bits of silverware with the club with whom he started as a youth.

That is one short of legendary fellow winger Bobby Lennox and is now one more than another member of Celtic's European Cup-winning team, former captain Billy McNeill.

Captaining Celtic to their 1-0 win over Rangers has taken Callum McGregor level with former skipper and former Scotland midfield team-mate Scott Brown on 22.

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Brendan Rodgers says Celtic will "idolise" Joe Hart for life after the goalkeeper ended his career by helping their side beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.

The 37-year-old former England number one had already announced he planned to retire before securing his seventh trophy since joining the Glasgow club.

"It's brilliant," manager Rodgers said. "He's finished on a clean sheet.

"I said to the players on Friday, this is a guy who has worked for 21 years.

"We have some young players who have just completed their first season training with us and have had 200 sessions over the course of the season. Joe has done about 4200 training sessions in his career. And, do you know what, every time I see him in training, it's like his first one.

"His enthusiasm, his love of the game, his leadership and everything about the man is top class.

"And what a way for him to finish. He's a double winner at a club that'll idolise him now for the rest of his life. I'm just so, so pleased for him."

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor has set his sights on grabbing the Scottish League Cup back off Rangers after beating their city rivals to the Premiership and Scottish Cup this season.

The Scotland midfielder's side were unable to match last season's domestic treble despite the 1-0 win over the Ibrox side at Hampden Park on Saturday.

"Absolutely delighted that we’ve peaked at the right time and got two trophies, but make no mistake, we want to be better next season," he told BBC Scotland.

"And that will be the remit when we come back in the summer. We’ve got to push if we want to get our other trophy back as well."

McGregor described the Hampden win as a "great day for the club, another big pressure moment" that took "character and personality".

"What better way to finish a tight game, derby match and 90-minute goal," he added.

"Showed everything that we needed to show in the game. Probably not massive quality within the game, but you get the job done by being together and that’s been our message all season.

"Resilience, being together and working for each other and that can carry you a long way in football."

Image source, SNS

Adam Idah climbed off the Celtic bench at Hampden fully believing he was going to score – thanks to some inspirational advice from an actor and fellow Cork native.

The 23-year-old signed off his loan spell from Norwich by sparking delirium among the Celtic fans with a dramatic cup final winner against Rangers.

And as he basked in Celtic’s double glory post-match, Idah credited the counsel of Young Offenders actor Shane Casey.

"Funnily enough, there's an actor back home, Shane Casey, who messaged me before about visualisation and to say positive things," said Idah.

"That's what I was saying on the bench, and it worked. So I'm sure I will be doing that again.

"I will always believe, in any game, whether I start or I'm on the bench, I always believe that I'm going to score.

"You need that, in a striker especially, to have that confidence to go and score goals."

Image source, SNS

Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on “immense” Scottish Cup final match-winner Adam Idah and says the on-loan Norwich striker has “thrived on the pressure” of playing for Celtic.

Idah, a second-half substitute at Hampden, scored his ninth goal for the club by pouncing on a 90th-minute fumble by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland to complete Celtic’s double in dramatic style.

And Rodgers said "we'll see what happens" on a possible permanent deal for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

"The board know how I feel on Adam, that was the reason for bringing him in,” said the Celtic manager.

"He's been a real catalyst for us, especially over the last few months. I knew what I was getting because I'd seen him in the Premier League at 18.

"He has all the attributes. He's fast, dynamic, strong and I felt with better positioning he'd get goals. What he's done since coming in is show that he's a goalscorer. He gets different types of goals.

"He's been absolutely immense for us and he's clearly someone I'd like to do something with.

"He's such a good guy, the players love him. And he's a big-game player. In so many big moments, he's stepped up to the plate for us.

"I'm so happy for him - a boy from Ireland, a striker scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Wow. What a summer he'll have."

Idah now returns to parent club Norwich and it would cost Celtic a reported £6m to bring him back on a permanent basis.

"My talks with Adam will remain private because there's a lot of work to do,” added Rodgers.

"But he knows my feelings and so does the club so we'll see what happens."

Image source, SNS

Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley tells BBC Sportsound: "It's amazing to be a part of this club. The fans make this club so special. They carried us through this game.

"We know how to win, we have been here before. At this club, you just don't stop fighting. It's in this club's DNA.

"Every season has its up and downs. Today, we showed our character."

Right-back Alistair Johnston tells BBC Scotland: "It's special. We wanted to send Joe [Hart[ out, not only with a trophy, but with a clean sheet.

"It's been a while against [Rangers] that we've kept a clean sheet, so that felt extra sweet. It was a battle but all the guys were up for it.

"It's in the DNA of this football club. You want to win trophies and the fans expect it, they demand it. We knew going into the last couple of months that we had none on the board but there was two to play for.

"We knew we had the quality there and we've kicked into gear. Big players need to step up and we had some really big performances."