Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for some of his talismanic figures to step as the Bhoys eye cup final glory against Rangers tomorrow afternoon.
The Bhoys have defeated Hibernian, Falkirk and Aberdeen to reach the Hampden showpiece and will hope to make up for last year’s exit to Kilmarnock by claiming the trophy for a 22nd time.
Brendan Rodgers has only ever lost one match in the Premier Sports Cup – he also has the same record against Rangers inside 19 matches.
Nevertheless, the Irishman is more concerned with trophies over records this weekend. Silverware is all that matters; what that symbolises should Celtic get over the line is up for others to discuss.
Tension is building ahead of tomorrow’s showdown at Hampden, and it is fair to say Barry Ferguson is aware of one key man in the green and white corner.
Barry Ferguson’s Kyogo Furuhashi cup final worry
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson has pinpointed Kyogo Furuhashi as Rangers’ main source of worry ahead of Sunday’s cup final.
He stated: “He’s been a thorn in the Rangers side for a long time. Paul, we were actually speaking before we came on air; I think he’s improved. I think he’s become a better player over the last couple of years since he’s been here.
“His touch, his movement, his work rate was always there. There was no question of that, but I think as he’s maturing, he’s definitely getting better. And I thought his goal at the weekend against Hibs was just a bit of class, if I’m being brutally honest.
It’s hard for me to say that right enough, but it was an unbelievable touch. And then what gets me is the composure when he gets into the area, and then just dinks it over. Whoever is playing at centre back, they need to be wary of him.
“They need to make sure that if he’s moving all the time, there’s constant communication because he’s always on the move. I think he’s a top player.”
Kyogo Furuhashi raises his game against Rangers
Furuhashi is Celtic’s man for the big occasion and rarely lets a chance slip by to put Rangers in their place, having scored eight times in 15 clashes with the Bhoys’ arch-rivals.
On derby day, his exceptional movement and precision finishing make him a marked man, but he has demonstrated so often that he can escape any unwarranted attention.
With the Japan international likely to lead the line on Sunday, you wouldn’t bet against him having a decisive contribution.
