Scottish Cup Final: Celtic v Aberdeen Sportscene

COMMENTATOR: Right out of the top drawer! An absolute beauty! Oh yes!

It's unbelievable, unbelievable! What a finish! It is not a dream, it

is reality. No two teams are bigger than Aberdeen and Celtic. ROCK

MUSIC. Aberdeen are true to their first Scottish Cup final in 17

years! Celtic take another step towards the treble. The 71st

Scottish League Cup final. It is Celtic's League Cup. It was

Wallace who scored. Celtic are invincible!

Those fans banging the drum for Celtic today, they want their team

to keep the tag of invincible is. Unbeaten in Scottish football so far

this season. Brendan Rodgers' team is one day away from celebrating a

domestic treble. Aberdeen have been runners-up in the Premiership and

losing finalists in the lean -- League Cup. Can they win the

Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990? It's the 132nd Scottish

Cup final, it is Celtic against Aberdeen and it's live on the BBC.

We'll Brendan Rodgers' first year as Celtic manager end with a glorious

treble, or can Aberdeen emerge from the shadow of the champions when it

matters most? I'm hoping these three can help answer those questions.

Michael Stewart, Willie Miller and the man who had his arms wrapped

around betrays the year ago, former Hibs manager Alan Stubbs. Alan a

triple winner as well with Celtic, winning the Scottish Cup in 2001.

And of course, at this very time last season, he was the manager of

Hibs, taking delivery of that piece of silverware and ending 114 years

of pain. How it did that feel, and also does it feel like a year has

passed since? It was amazing on the day. I think to have been part of,

you know, it was a really good game. But to have come out the other end

as winners, it was fantastic for the players. I can't believe it's been a

year. It really has gone nowhere. You've got a great relationship with

this trophy, so have Willie. When we look at these, and these are

separate pictures by the way. They all look much the same! Four times

you help this aloft in the 80s. It's a magnificent trophy, I must say.

The occasion today is fabulous. It's good to see my old team back here in

the big stage, at the end of the season with an opportunity to do

what I did all those years ago. It wasn't a year ago that these photos

were taken by the way! LAUGHTER It's is likely further back! Michael, is

it going to be Celtic's trouble? Is it their day in this incredible

season or will Aberdeen and the trophy for the first time in 27

years? It's quite clear Celtic are the favourites, it's understandable

why. They've gone the season undefeated domestically. They are up

against a team who have run as close as anybody else. For Aberdeen to win

they've got to believe they can do it. I think in the management team,

they will be instilling belief in the team. If they perform to their

best and if you things fall their way there is no reason they can't

get their hands on the trophy. When the PA strikes up it may try to

drown us out but we will lift our voices. 100 minutes until cup final

kick-off. You know it's going to fly by when you find out what we've got

in store for you. We've even got a bit of culture for you! The Scottish

Cup in first and read first. The fan's wild screams. Its 27 years

since Aberdeen last won the trophy. We had a very good team at that

time, probably the best in the country. Remembering that football

fairy tale from 1967. Here was the conquering of Europe by a bunch of

players drawn from a small nation. The Dons have a team within a team.

They say there's no cliques in the changing room, there's the Irish

clique. COMMENTATOR: Outstanding piece of finishing! Taking the

Michael would be Celtic skipper. That was me celebrating. I love

watching my players. I don't get nervous or apprehensive when I watch

my team, I really look forward to it. Brendan bids to complete the

season of his dreams. This experience as a special experience

for me. I'm not sure I'll ever get this again, managing the club that

I've supported since I was a child. Looking a lot further ahead, our

commentators for the big match today Art Liam McLeod and Steven Thompson.

Let's get an early shout from those two. Good afternoon. The Aberdeen

players and the manager just walked out of the tunnel in front of us. I

don't know if you can see it, the pitch is looking magnificent. You

can maybe hear the Aberdeen supporters, those who are here nice

and early, welcoming their heroes. Stephen, I was sitting down having

my breakfast reading the newspapers, as I do in the morning. Not many

people are giving Aberdeen much of a chance against what has been a ramp

at Celtic this season. I would probably agree with that. I think

Aberdeen have the quality in forward areas to hurt Celtic. But can they

stop Celtic from scoring at the other end? I don't believe they can.

They've got a limit Celtic to just trying to concede one goal. They've

got to get the balance right. If the balance is wrong between over

committing in attack they'll be exploited by the Celtic team. Will

be neither team lines just after 2pm, starting with Celtic. Perhaps

the biggest decision for Brendan Rogers is in the midfield. If it

Rogic or McGregor? Also will Dembele be fit enough to start. Dembele

hasn't played for a couple of weeks and in that time I think Griffith

has been exceptional. McGregor has been a big favourite of Brendan

Rogers. He's played fantastically well so I would expect McGregor to

start as well. Big decisions for Derek McInnes for Aberdeen. Most

notably Ryan Jack who's off at the end of the season. It's been

reported in several places he's going to Rangers. Anthony O'Connor

has performed pretty well in the midfield, that's probably the

biggest decision the manager has to make, albeit Jayden Stockley played

very well against Celtic a few weeks ago in the league match. Yes he did.

He gives that physical threat up front. One thing about Ryan Jack, he

brings composure to the midfield. He can control the game. He always

takes the ball in difficult areas and circumstances. I would expect

him to come back into this side today. Stockley upfront, I'm not

sure, Rooney is the callous man. Stockley gives you the physical

presence and he played well in the last game but I would be surprised

to see him start. Team needs just after TPN. Whatever happens, history

beckons for one of these illustrious football clubs as they top two in

Scottish football go head-to-head. Will it be a trouble for Celtic or

will Aberdeen in their 27 long wait to lift the Scottish Cup? STUDIO:

It's the time of year when we speculate about what these two

line-ups might be. Derek McInnes and Brendan Rodgers there. They will

have a surprise in store files about the line-up. We know already that

Graeme Shinnie will Aberdeen today, so no armband for Ryan Jack. Do you

still think a key role in this game? For Ryan Jack, absolutely. I think

when he is in the team, Aberdeen have a better chance of controlling

that area. When he's not they don't have the same control. The change of

captaincy, I think probably expected. Ryan has made up his mind

he is leaving. Graeme Shinnie is vice captain anyway so he's a

natural progression for him to take over the role. He's been outstanding

this season. But why make that decision now? Why not wait until the

season is out? He's made an issue of it now. Had he not just kept Ryan

Jack has the captain, there wouldn't have been this discussion, and the

whole circus surrounding it. I think the issue was made when Ryan made it

clear he wasn't staying at the club. That wasn't common knowledge, up

until he leaked it. There have been various rumours about where he's

going to. There's been a lot of unrest for the fans. I think Derek

has taken the right decision here. What about playing him? From my

point of view, if I'm Ryan Jack and I'm leaving, I would expect

something to happen. In fact I would have said to the manager, if you

want me to stand back to captain, I'm moving on next season, then do

it. That discussion might have happened. In terms of Celtic the

expectation is Moussa Dembele will be in the squad but he will be on

the bench. I think it would have been a really big called to start

him in the game, especially with him being out with the type of injury he

had. It's a difficult one to come back to click from. You're never

quite sure with a hamstring, even though he's probably done enough. To

actually start him, if it is what we think it's going to be with Leigh

Griffiths starting, I think it's the right way to go. The minute we have

team news, you will have the team news as well. This is the Scottish

Cup final on the BBC. There's something poetic about our coverage.

Poet Liam MacCormack will add a badly needed touch of class as he

talks us through the Road to. -- the road to Hampton.. He stood in the

shadow of the scoring roar. That one screamed about the emerald green.

His face lined like time and worry. He never could keep his eye on the

ball. As his son tears down the street, his feet kick up the dust of

industry. His easy smile through gritted teeth. The ball comes to his

feet. And fits. Like the Pearl and the world's waster. -- the world's

oyster. Whether you bore the brunt in this land, you're probably

getting these texts, same as me. Great result, chief! 6-0. At the

final whistle, the enemy's dismissal. When I wake up, I'll

know. They are going to be the men who put three past them. In this

country and this cup we dream of these teams appearing on wide

screens. Playing and making history. STUDIO: Liam will be back with us

shortly to talk us through the poems. An almost permanent fixture

in the 80s so it's incredible to think it is almost 27 years since

this special piece of silverware had its home in the north-east. It was

the first time the competition had ever been won on penalties. We go

back to the shoot out drama of 1990. We had a very good team that the

time. Probably the best in the country.

I was unaware at the beginning of the game how it was going to unfold.

But excited to play in the first Scottish Cup Final. My best moment

in football, having a big say in the outcome that, it was a great

feeling. On the Scottish Cup Final is on the

way. That is a great first time ball.

Into space for Nicholas. Aberdeen in the box. One of them is Hillhouse.

In a game of limited chances Aberdeen and Celtic could not be

separated. No scoring here at Hampden and that is the end of the

match. The cup will be settled on penalty-kicks. It was an exciting

game. We had done our job, not losing goals as a defender. Then the

penalty shoot-out was going to take it to another level. Strange because

you didn't think before the game it would end up going to penalty, it

was going to the next step. I didn't think it was part of the game. I

didn't agree to that. I would have rather won the game through the

playing of it. I must say, most of the penalty were taken quite well.

Brilliantly taken by Bett. Into the corner.

Celtic bound Charlie Nicholas had to score to make it sudden death. .

This would have given Celtic qualification to up yoo, he was

going to be playinger for them. When it came to his turn, in the last of

the normal five penalties he put it in the top corner so it was

brilliant or he meant to miss it, I don't know.

Calmly and confidently, he ties up the penalty shoot-outs. Half way

through the shoot out I was starting to feel indifferent about it. I

wasn't feeling that for our own side, I was feeling that on the

Celtic lads going up as well. I remember that Graham Watson took the

penalty, that in half way line, the Celtic players were winding the

Celtic end up. He was threatened by a serious injury a year ago, the

Celtic fans trying to build up the tension for the youngster.

You have to hand it to the young man, a little smile appears on hiss

face. I did the same, what they did, with our crowd. And luckily, I think

Aberdeen had 25,000 supporters over, but they were in the goal behind

myself. And especially with the roof, the noise was immense.

And it is a magnificent save. It might win the cup for Aberdeen. That

is a magnificent save from the Dutch goalkeeper.

In the last man before the goalkeeper, in the position, if I

could score we would win it. The ones before big Alec McLeish, they

have to score to keep us in the game.

That is beautifully taken by McLeish. As I go forward to score to

win it, and what a feeling when the ball hit the back of the net.

Aberdeen have won! Won! I knew it was going to go in, Pat bonner had

dived the wrong way. It gives me goose bumps thinking about it now

now, 27 years later. In Holland, my mum was watching the game. Before

the final penalties it went to a different programme and they

couldn't tell the score. So in the hotel, I had to phone her to tell

her what the score was, that he won it in the end.

Going back up to Aberdeen the next day on an open deck bus, down Union

Street going into Town House and celebrating in front of 25, 30,000

Aberdeen fans. Lining the street. That is the sort of thing you

dreamed as a boy doing, to be doing it for real is incredible. We had

the League Cup with us and the Scottish Cup. As I came off the bus,

I had enjoyed it so much, and I thought it was great managing

Aberdeen, till an old supporter slapped 30,000 Aberdeen fans. Lining

the street. That is the sort of thing you dreamed as a boy doing, to

be doing it for real is incredible. We had the League Cup with us and

the Scottish Cup. As I came off the bus, I had enjoyed it so much, and I

thought it was great managing Aberdeen, till an old supporter

slapped me on the back, "Well done Alex, you brought back the Fergie

day, now for the treble". From the Scottish Cup of 1990 to the

2017 version, and that is Brendan Rodgers going to have the perfect

ending to what has been an already remarkable season in his first

season as Celtic manager, there is the skipper Scott Browne, Lee

Griffiths who we understand will start, with Moussa Dembele on the

bench, all the team news on the way and maybe an intriguing Aberdeen

team selection to come as well. More of that, but let us go back 27 years

and you were heading to the knackers yard Willie, at that stage, you

career was almost over. Injury stopped you living that particular

trophy. I played half the season and got injured for Scotland, playing

against Norway, here at Hampden, and almost made it back, but just didn't

quite get there, but I was part of the squad. I went down with Alex and

the rest of the team and watched the game. Experienced ex kitement of

lifting the trophy. You weren't going behind the crowd working up

the frenzy? No, I sat up there, I watched it going to penalties and I

thought I'm glad I'm not taking one. There was one goalkeeper making an

outstanding save. Another one was doing all he could to divert out of

the way, Packie Bonner. E plain yourself. My word. I wish Wally was

taking one, with that tash and the hair, I had him psyched out many

time, so unfortunately, listen, when you are watching it back and you

look at the penalties you wish you had to go the right way. Listen for

Aberdeen it was a great occasion, but for a Celtic team to lose a

final and the first shoot out, can I say also was a big disappointment. I

feel sorry for Anton, the goalkeeper doesn't have to really, he has never

been the one expected to save penalty, if you do you become a

hero. What a good save that was. In the corner. That is nice of you to

give credit. I like to see them getting credit as you know, but we

missed the first penalty. And that put us under severe pressure on the

day, it was never nice, the last couple of days I have been reflected

on it, looking back, I forgot about it probably the week after it, once

we went on holiday, when you win things like that it stays in your

memory. It is a great lesson to Bryan and Alec, and probably living

it as if it was yesterday. If we mad a camera on you at the time you had

gritted teeth. That summer was great for me in other ways. Did you save a

penalty in I learned from that final. That was the great thing, you

have to reflect on these things and that is what I did. Enjoy your

afternoon. And just on that theme of the decade of dominance, let us look

at one of those Cup Final win, Scottish Cup Final wins for

Aberdeen, this was 19th May 1984. Aberdeen 2 Celtic 1. Eric Black

getting the first one. You will want to analyse the defending for the

equaliser. I think we had a habit. Who is that full-back? It was his

fault. We had a habit of going to extra time and coming out on top.

When you get here, to the big game, you know, at the end of the season,

it is one you want to remember, and you know, I remember this goal.

Looking at the back post. Was that off his shin? If you ask Mark it

wasn't. It was a sweet strike. But the most important thing it ended up

in the back of the net. These are wonderful memories for Aberdeen. But

not knowing what is going to unfold today. The two best teams are here

today. It is great that they will be here, I hope Aberdeen really take

the game to Celtic, and try and put them under pressure, because it is

amazing what happens in these occasion, it will be about whoever

settles early on, and if Aberdeen can get an early goal it will be

interesting to see how Celtic respond. It is about squeezing the

negative thoughts for Aberdeen and there are plenty of them against

Celtic. Squeezing those out and putting the action on the positive.

Easier said than done. It is, but something they have to do. I was

saying before that the management team have to try and instil that

belief in the team they can do it. And you know, it is going to be a

difficult job. No question of that. Talking about the historical games

that have been here and whether they have an influence, I don't think the

finals will have an influence but they have to try and draw strength

from the fact that they are the team that is closest to Celtic, and they

are a club that are capable of winning trophies and if they can do

that, as I say, there is a chance for Aberdeen. I think what doesn't

change in these game, is that you have to come down. You have to be

able to handle the occasion the atmosphere, it is Celtic, it is

different from playing any other team, Rangers and Celtic Cup Finals

here are difficult. Mentally you have to be able to handle it. So

fair Aberdeen haven't handled it on the big occasion, in the League Cup

they didn't play particularly well. That I have to or Celtic will take

the trophy. We know our reporter Jane loves a celebrity, she is on

patrol outside Hampden, for anyone vaguely famous to be honest, she has

found someone really famous early on, Harry Redknapp is here now. He

was the Birmingham City, he is the current Birmingham City manager but

he managed Portsmouth to their first FA win of 2008. This will be one of

his rare interviews not out of the car, window, here he is with Jane.

Is Harry, lovely to see you in Scotland. It begs the question what

are you doing at the Scottish FA Cup Final? The English one is on you

know. No, it was just, you know, I took over at Birmingham and trying

to get in as many came agames as I can. I just thought I would come and

have a look and see if there is any players who might want to go to

Birmingham. I doubt, there is some good players on show. You might want

to keep your plans quiet to Brendan Rodgers and Derek McInnes. What game

do you expect today? Celtic, they are, they have had an incredible

season. Derek has done a great job at Aberdeen. Celtic have won, they

have the upper hand, and they have had the upper hand with everybody,

it has been an amazing season for them but full credit to Aberdeen as

well. To finish second, it has been fantastic. Celtic going for the

treble. That will prove a good incentive. They will want to finish

the job today but I am sure Aberdeen will want to stop that. It will be a

great atmosphere, I am looking forward to it. Enjoy it Harry. That

was nice of Jane. Harry Redknapp there and more VIP interviews to

come between now and kick off. If Celtic do land the treble, and of

course Brendan Rodgers and company have already got the Premiership

trophy and the League Cup tucked away, just one game away from the

clean sweep, it through be with impeccable timing. 50 years in a

couple of days since the Lisbon Lions won the European Cup. That is

an anniversary well worth celebrating.

# For it's a grand old team to play for. Hfsh

for. for.

And when you know the history. # Bertie Auld played inside left and

I'm a Lisbon Lion. Was right back in the team. Left win winger. John

Clark, number six, proud to be with the Lisbon Lions. I covered the

European Cup final for The Observer newspaper. Jock Stein brought talent

and elements of personality to the job of managing a football team,

that have never been surpassed. We trained the day before and all of a

sudden he picks the pace and the ball. The entire team was standing

in the enclosure and the boss must have seen it. Whenever they saw us

training in the past, the pace, the determination and the fun, that was

the most important thing, we did it with passion. He said these people,

that was Inter Milan of course, these people, he liked to talk about

that, he said these people are defensive, that is their business,

but that is not our way. He said we want to win this. In manner that

will make every neutral happy we have won it. We have left the

dressing room and the Italians were standing, all greased up. They

looked better than us. They have the tan, and the oil. There is no doubt

Bertie started it We have to go to war. He started singing in the

tunnel. tunnel.

one of the boys started singing it. one of the boys started singing it.

go... go...

# For we only know, # For we only know,

Can we relax a bit. Can we relax a bit.

# And the Glasgow Celtic will be there. #

You walked up the stairs and out, it was a mass of people in green and

white. # white. Away we go for the European Cup

final. The referee blew the whistle and we were on the way. The chances

where he was going to pollute back on the left foot. I deliberately ran

across his path. I didn't think many referees would have given a penalty

kick in the first six or seven minutes but this one did. You feel

no matter how great Celtic are, this is a job of work. We believed in the

bass, we believed in ourselves. Wonderful save! At half-time the

manager to told us to keep going, just push it a bit more. Through the

whole of the European Cup they were probably the easiest opposition we

played. After a short time we were playing to hang on. It's a goal!

He's not giving it. Celtic, of course, performed in a way you felt

had to win the match. He's done it! When they scored the goal, you

looked at them and you thought, they're gone. Celtic have scored!

Only five minutes to go in the European Cup and it's on its way to

Glasgow. They had taken a wrecking ball to the theories about the

percentages of defensive football. The whistle is going and Celtic have

won the European Cup. We've won the European Cup. That was my favourite

memory of what happened. He was the conquering of Europe by a bunch of

players drawn from a weed corner of a wee nation. That's the best way

I've ever seen any captain receiving a cup. It looked as if Caesar ruled.

Even then, I had no doubt that that support, I'll never guess. Every

supporter comes up to shake your hand, they are delighted because it

proud. proud.

will be there and will be there and

# Just call me Glenn! Glenn Daly was the reference there, the Glasgow

musical legend who originally sang the song. Who are we to disagree?

There's a great documentary on the go at the moment on the BBC iPlayer.

Glasgow 1967, the Lisbon Lions. It's a fantastic watch so have a look at

that. It evokes feelings of joy and sadness. Sadness for the Lions who

are no longer with us, those suffering ill health and joy for the

ones who are with us. Joy, an everlasting memory of the Lisbon

Lions. The Scottish Cup connection is this because this was them a

month before Lisbon, winning 2-0 against Aberdeen in the Cup final in

front of a crowd of 126,102 crammed inside Hampden Park. That was the

last time Celtic beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final which is an

amazing statistic. But the spirit of 67, it is evident, for everyone who

has anything to do with Celtic ever since that famous day in Lisbon.

Yes, I think the biggest tribute you could pay to them is that the season

reflects the success that they had. It's great they've had that to mark

50 years. Not just are they incredible footballers, they are

incredible people as well. They are great personalities. That comes

across. They were saying there that the plaudits came from all over

Scotland. It's not just about Celtic supporters appreciating the Lisbon

Lions, I think the whole country appreciates what they achieved. They

were a fabulous side. It was a football fairy tale. Back to our cup

final poets, Liam McCormick has been retracing the road to Hampden in his

original style. There are one or two David versus Goliath confrontations.

He was in his late 20s, had a trial for Man City when he was just 16. He

was the best player in his village. When he wasn't selected, he went

home and perfected his touch, his pace, he chases his chance to shoot.

To touch pass to Scott Barber, finds the back of the net. David flicking

the ball in like a stone in a sling. David is John Macleod kicking in by

the final whistle. Next round they've got Goliath. The fearsome,

the great Don Baroness Warsi. 5-3, Dunfermline. They put in a good

shift but not enough to win. 6-0, disappointed. Get some tea and

chocolate. STUDIO: Thank you. Just about an hour and ten minutes away

from kick-off at Hampden. It's the Scottish Cup final on the BBC.

Hopefully we are getting your appetite whetted ahead of the big

match. Have you heard the one about the three Irish men? They lead the

attack of Aberdeen and have scored 44 goals between them this season. I

didn't Rooney, Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes. -- Adam Rooney.

Are you guys joining a team within a team? Are you pretty matey? We've

got our own little corner. They say there are no Hampden in the changing

room, there's the Irish clique. It's a weird thing that Irish players

just seem to get on well. You've got to ask the boys, any club they've

been to, guys with similar backgrounds coming across. Adam had

eight or nine bedroom houses, a bit of a difference. We just seem to

find each other at every football club. I've known as a long time. We

just seem to get on. Similar backgrounds. To be honest, most

Irish lads get on as well. He's got a picture on his phone showing you

two very close and attentive to each other. He's a jealous lad, Reynolds.

Is it just jealousy? Yes, he's always trying to worm his way in.

Produce tape fake Irish passport! COMMENTATOR: Brilliant! What a goal

from Niall McGinn. I've seen him do some wonderful things, he's got that

ability. I've not played with many players of that calibre. Brilliant

from Niall McGinn. He beat 34 lads and puts it in the box. His pace and

fitness is incredible. For me personally, I haven't come across a

lad like him. It hits Adam Rooney and goes in! At

long last they have found the breakthrough. You don't go them too

much about Northern Ireland's success, do you? Everyday! When I

got 50 caps it was a special moment for me. It's been an unbelievable

international career. Definitely the club football has stood me in good

stead for that. How is the McGinn campaign going? I've got the post is

ready for the Cup final. He's a good pal of mine. Whatever decision he

makes, he'll have the best wishes from everyone here. He's produced

performances on the pitch. Reynolds will be asking for number ten. Is

that an ambition of his? He'll be thrilled! How much are you looking

forward to Hampden? As a group, the last number of years we've always

been confident about winning trophies. Hopefully we can do it

this year. Seeing the three of you must give you confidence about the

ability you've got in the team. I think we've won the trophy a few

years ago, we've been to Hampden and lost, we need to use both

experiences of winning and losing. There will be no better way than to

get the winner 's medal. Thank you very much. STUDIO: Jonny Hayes'

haircut was the highlight of that interview! LAUGHTER Every Saturday

on the radio you talk about their every moment. Seeing Adam Rooney,

there's a whisper at the moment, we'll confirm it very shortly, that

Adam Rooney might not start. How would you react to that? I think

going through Derek McInnes' mind was the last game against Celtic

more mobile, goes from side to side more mobile, goes from side to side

-- Stockley played up front. It gave the Celtic centre-backs a lot to

think about in that game. If Rooney doesn't start and Stockley does I

think it's because of his performance against Celtic last

time. For me, he's not the goal-scorer Adam Rooney is. Yes, he

may have performed OK but goals are vital. Adam Rooney is the go to man.

He's what you look for in a number nine striker. He gets in the areas

you want him to. Jayden Stockley doesn't have that about him. If that

is confirmed it will be a surprise for me. It didn't take Rooney long

to strike in the semifinal against Hibs. It was a disaster starting to

Hibs. He took his goal really well. It was a really accomplished finish,

that early on in the game. He was ready right from the whistle. It's a

shock. The fact that he's not playing. Is that Derek McInnes

thinking, I've just got to try something out of the ordinary,

something that maybe most people aren't predicting? I think what he's

doing is putting his football knowledge to the test. It's a big

call, there's no doubt. For me, Adam Rooney would have been in the team.

Obviously the manager is employed to make the calls. This is a huge

stage. He's putting his neck on the line a bit. In terms of making that

decision, if in fact but if the decision but that is what he's to

do. To be means team news. -- two o'clock means team news. We're just

an hour away from kick-off of the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

We have the official teams. That Celtic side features McGregor, not

Tom Rogic. Griffiths start, Dembele has made the bench. It is not a

surprise. Griffiths has been in sparkling form. Dembele hasn't

played. He probably won't wouldn't be match fit. If he is on the bench,

he is a great player to bring on later. McGregor has had the

sensational season, under Brendan Rodgers, he is a big favourite and

he has had an impang in big games here at Hampden, there is no

surprises for me. We were talking at the start, perhaps Derek McInnes had

the one big decision to make. He has made two. Ryan Jack does start. He

lost the captaincy in midweek. It will be his final game for Aberdeen.

Rooney has been benched. He is their top goal scorer and he has been

brought on to the bench, and Jayden Stockley replaces him. Now, this

isn't the first time Derek McInnes has thrown a curve ball in this

fixture. He started Burns earlier in the season. He was on loan in the

first half of the campaign. He started Stockley the last time

Aberdeen faced Celtic. They lost 3-1. Played well for 80 minute, he

is going for the direct approach. Without a doubt Stoch caused them

problems. He has a physical presence. I am surprised by Jack

coming into the team. I don't understand the psychology of

stripping him of the captaincy, a game of such importance, for him

coming into the team. Rooney is goal scorer. It's a big goal to take your

main goal scorer out of the team. Stockley will give a big physical

presence. They will have the pace of Hayes and McGinn.

McClean scored a volley in training and had his team-mates applauding.

That will be a first! Less than an hour to kick off. No less than three

of the Aberdeen players played for the last game in. What an afternoon

this could be. Thank you. What a bold decision for Derek McInnes,

here he is in conversation on the pitch with Jayden Stockley, the man

who comes in today for number nine Rooney, he will lead the attack for

Aberdeen against Celtic in this Scottish Cup Final, and well, the

Aberdeen fans will be taking onboard that information as we speak about

it, as well, and my feeling I think was pretty much the feeling you were

voicing there, which is yes, he can be a menace to play against for the

Celtic defence but if he gets a chance, will he score the goal? Yes,

I mean, I think about it from Celtic's perspective, they are in

the changing room and think see Rooney is not play, they will be

happy with that. Yes Jayden Stockley has a more physical presence, he is

probably better in the air, but I think there is other ways you are

talking to Willie before about is Derek McInnes just trying to do

something that is unexpected to be different? Different? There is many

things you can do, alter the shape but for me when you have number nine

main guy striker you don't drop him in a Cup Final, you have him up

there as the target man, the guy that will score you goals. You saw

it in the semifinal. Semifinal. Rooney will get you a goal. It is is

a big call and a big surprise for me. So the news headlines, Jack

plays alongside Shinnie, it is Stockley for Rooney up front,

Griffiths starts for Celtic, Dembele on the bench and in the midfield

area it is McGregor and Armstrong who have the nod. Rogic doesn't make

the starting 11. Christie has played for both Celtic and Aberdeen this

season, loaned out to the dons for the second half of the campaign, so

he can't feature for either today. That is why he is currently on

holiday in Florida, where it is probably cooler than this this,

rather than wrestling with his emotions here, before he left he

gave us inside information as a man with a foot in both Camps.

Yty. That is brilliant. Outstanding piece of finishing by the onloan

Celtic player. Faces eest player is Jonny Hayes, when he gets up to 40,

50 yards he is incredible. Celtic, there is a few Forrest is up

there. He has a very good turn of pace. Roberts as well. I would say

either one of them two. Skillful at Aberdeen, I would say

McGinn. Think in training when sometimes he stands there, you don't

know what skill he will pull out on you.

Celtic, I will say, a tough one Sinclair I'll say, just because the

same situation, it's frightening when he has the ball at his feet.

The worst dressed. At Aberdeen I would say Adam Rooney, he is this

changing room and every day I kind of see him walk in to the changing

room, with a question what went through his head hen he went into

the cupboard. Celtic, it will say Sviatchenko. He comes in shirt tie,

blazer which is, a bit too smart for some of the most Carayol boys. There

is a few on the field at Aberdeen. Rooney if you don't pass him the

ball, you haven't done the right thing. At Celtic the same, there

Griffiths there is a common theme of triker, if you don't give them the

ball they will not be happy. Aberdeen. Taylor without a doubt,

probably the most built man I have seen in football. Incredible the

body strength he has. At Celtic I would have to say Scott Browne

because he is not going to pull out of it.

Aberdeen, Reynolds, he is up to something in the changing room.

Messing with somebody's gear, Celtic, Lustig, he is similar, he is

always up to something, you can never quite trust him. I haven't

seen many from Aberdeen. I heard Patrick Roberts sing when he came to

Celtic, he threw in a bit of R B which was a bit strange coming from

him. Both times I had to sing a Song, I

sung the same one. I sung can't keep Keep My Eyes After You. It is a

strange one but it is quick so I am up and back down.

# I love you baby # I love you baby

# If I's quite all right... # Strange day for him. He is probably

in Florida, could have played for either team, ends up playing for

neither. Found himself in a very difficult position, you know, we had

a similar position at, ourselves last year, with, whether Liam

Henderson was going to play if Celtic got to the final. It is a

tough one, going out in the semifinal, and performing, but even

knowing that no matter what happens he doesn't want to play in the

final. Mixed emotions but that is probably why he has got himself

away. He was raising questions about Rooney and his dress sense, that is

the least of his worries and problems. He will be devastated to

be left out of this. He must be. It is a huging on casing, the pinnacle

of the season, I think that Derek McInnes would have had to worked

very hard with Adam, to you know, convince him that his decision was

right and playing Stockley ahead of him, and he, the reasons why. You

know, I think, I think maybe players take it too easy, you know, in the

modern day but when you were used to playing and you know your best team.

I believe that Adam Rooney in the team is the best team so it is a big

call from the manager. Rooney must be really disappointed but you know

what, I am sure Derek McInnes will be saying you still have a big part

to play in this Cup Final. I don't think Stockley will stay on for the

whole game. I am sure Rooney will come on at some point. We mentioned

Celtic's reaction to Rooney not being in the starting XI for the

Aberdeen side. Will Aberdeen be relieved that Tom is not involved? I

don't think they would have expected Rogic to be in the side. He picked

up that bad injury. He has had too many happy days in Aberdeen. You

look at McGregor and the goals he scored in big games, he has come on

to real form in the second half of the season s and I think you know,

the way that Brendan Rodgers has spoken about McGregor as well, there

was no doubt he wasn't going to be starting this game. As said in big

games McGregor has come up with big goals, so yes Rogic has had good

form against Aberdeen but McGregor is somebody they will have to keep

an eye on as well. Surprising that McGregor wasn't named in the

Scotland squad for the England game. Scotland squad for the England game.

. We have been rewinding the game in poetic fashion. Liam is our man of

words. Here he reflects on the romantic team of Bony Rig can be

rose. Bony rig, rose to the challenge,

scored 30 goals on the road to Hampden, Echeverria if one more game

was all they could manage they had a wee bit of history to brandish.

141 years old. Three cups, it is like he is 11 men inside. But he

rose to the challenge. Scored 31 goals on the road to Hampden. The

Hibs scored one. Then two. Then three. Then four! Then five. Then

six. Then seven, then eight. It is not about how many times you lose,

it is about the small ways you can claim smaller victories like out of

the box shot or eh getting their name in history books our Elgin

getting Inverness's Derby day delayed because there is more fans

on the way. His soul is leopard print. He takes

camera left but a spotlight. That is what he gets.

Hibs -- Hibs lips are dry, Hearts are pounding, don't you just know

Raith Rovers or Heart of Midlothian. Raith Rovers or Heart of Midlothian.

. Co-on stubs Stubbs, let me know. We will have an Edinburgh Derby in

the fifth round. Shinnie. Aberdeen's acting shy. Looking for an answer.

Come on staggy, let's spend the fifth round together.

It found its way in. Aberdeen into the quarterfinal of the William Hill

Scottish Cup. Hit happened plunges like a swan,

bobbing for apples. He bellows, realises he has picked his team and

says if if you want it easy, come on Stubbsy let me know. What a finish

by the captain. Hamilton's Matthews saving three

penalties is exactly as good as a riff from do You Think I'm Sexy.

# If you really need me... # Rod Stewart seemed relaxed for that

draw? He was in good form. He was great. You know, obviously he is a

personality but on that day he just seemed to have an added influence.

He did seem to have an influence on a memorable day. Let us hear, we

have had the team news of course, fromer for both. Let us have an

interview with Brendan Rodgers and Chris is talking to him.

Brendan, let us start with the team news. Griffith starts Dembele is on

the bench. Is that based on match fitness or merit? Well, a bit of

everything really. I think it is April 27th Moussa has been out. He

has done great to come back and make himself available having had the

hamstring injury. The team is in a good moment. It is fluent, playing

well. Lee is scoring goals, so there is no need for me to change it. But

delighted that the likes of Moussa is back, Rogic is back. So gives a

strong bench if we need it. Sum up what this would mean to you in this

club, to complete the domestic treble? Yes, of course it's huge,

but we have tried not to think about that. We can speak about it after,

if it takes place, but Celtic has a great record in this competition, we

want to honour that tradition of winning the Scottish Cup. It is a

fantastic and historical competition, you know, the Scottish

FA Cup is a wonderful tournament, and obviously, of course, we want to

finish the last game of the season and it would mark a fantastic season

for us. Brendan, thank you. Good luck. We will hear more from him

later, Celtic against Aberdeen, the Scottish Cup Final. Celtic aiming

for the treble live on the BBC. Brendan there spoke about the bench

and that is a significant thing, because I was looking at Adam

Rooney, he could play a big part in reserve but when you look at Celtic,

Dembele, Rogic, Forrest there, all three could be involved, could be

instrumental in deciding who wins this. When you look at the bench, he

has Game Changers on the bench. As well adds in the starting XI he has

them on the bench. If he needs to. It is a really strong bench. Dembele

being fit for the game is a huge shot in the arm for them. But he

obviously felt that he just probably wasn't right to start the game. That

is why Lee starts. There's something psychologically

boosting the Celtic having Moussa Dembele waiting in the wings. You

have a top-quality striker who looked as though he wasn't going to

take part, who all of a sudden has declared himself fit. To have him on

the bench is a huge bonus for Brendan Rodgers. Leigh Griffiths is

a fabulous player, but if it's not happening for him, if it's not

working, he turned to the bench and you've got this goal machine sitting

on the bench. It's a fabulous position to be in. Having Dembele on

the bench, Leigh Griffiths will be aware of that. Leigh Griffiths has

done very well coming into the side but he will know Dembele is sitting

on the bench, and if he doesn't come up with the game he needs to play,

then I'm sure Brendan Rodgers when think twice. He could put the two of

them on. It's not a straight swap. He's done it before. If Aberdeen

fans are worried about the teams, it's not showing at the moment, as

we look at the Dons supporters arriving outside. I'm going to say

2-1 Aberdeen. 2-1 after extra time. Hopefully it'll be a good

atmosphere. 2-1 to the Dons. 2-1 Aberdeen. 10-0. I'm not going to be

so confident, I'll say 2-1 Aberdeen. Go the Dons! I'm not sure about Adam

Rooney first scorer now that we know the team news. The question was, who

could we get to interview Scott Brown about his ten years at Celtic.

Hopefully someone with relevance and credibility. We couldn't quite

manage that but his former Hibs team-mate Michael Stewart stepped up

to the plate. The most influential player in

Scotland, Brendan Rodgers came out with a couple of weeks ago. Did that

sit well with you? It was a nice read. For me it's different this

season compared to last season, due to injuries. The manager has taken

my game up a level and you're thinking of different ways to play

different structures. It was great to learn and see what he wants to do

for Celtic. I jumped in right away, I understood what he wanted to do.

That's the way I wanted to play as well, high up the park. Here you go

with Mr Strachan when you were getting paraded when you signed. Ten

years at Celtic is a long time, going back to when you joined,

you've evolved and changed so much as a player. How big an influence

was Gordon and what did he say to change you as a player? He brought

maturity to my game. He said he wanted to build the team around

myself and a few other ones. He sees me more as a defensive midfielder.

Get the ball back and keep it simple. It was great for me. My

confidence went sky high, then you played in a Champions League game

I've ended up in behind the strikers I've ended up in behind the strikers

! Half-time came and he looked at me and said, what are you doing? I

thought, I've done all right here! He said, playwright midfield. For me

I just didn't understand, it was a huge learning curve in the first

season. In training there were claims everywhere in the middle of

the park. It was just understanding where to play. How did that one go

down when you sign for them? Quite well, to be fair. Went up to win the

ball and obviously upper body strength is a lot better than his.

He was off balance and fell over but ended up sticking his leg into my

chest. He got a straight red, came in, signed, was sitting in the

training room in the first couple of days. He was being -- I was chatting

being chirpy. I said, you getting sent off against me, he said, you

dived! He chased me about in training for about 45 minutes. I

wasn't going to touch the ball. You're all mate, you have the ball!

LAUGHTER The back-end of last season, thinking about your future

at the club, was there any point when you were thinking, I need to

get out of here? I thought my playing career was coming to an end.

It was one injury after another. It was a hard season for me. Gordon

came to my house and said, how are you feeling? I said, my legs have

totally gone the season. I wasn't feeling myself. He said, I see that.

He said, everyone sees that. How are you going to fix it? What are you

going to do. He said, go out there and prove everyone wrong. I had to

go out and change a lot of things, try and get myself as fit as

possible, maintain that level. Since the manager has come in I've done

that. You got a good relationship with Brendan Rodgers, haven't you? A

great relationship. He puts a lot of trust and faith in me. The training

he's given us throughout this whole season, he's made everyone fitter

and better. You talked about the internationals, you've come back, a

U-turn, what was going through your head? We've spoken about your

relationship with Gordon, that was pivotal. I had a great pre-season,

through the Champions League and we got into the Champions League. I was

feeling proper good about myself, I was as fit as I probably been for a

long time. We had a chat... It was you that drove it? It was me. I love

playing in Scotland. At the time I was captain of Scotland, I was sad I

had to give that up. It's the first selfish thing I've probably done in

football and it was the best decision I've probably made. This

season everybody recognises the transformation has been massive. Are

you annoyed you've not got a Player of the Year nomination? Or is it

just because everybody hates you?! It's probably a bit of both! I don't

like getting beat. I demand a lot of other people and people demand a lot

from me as well. They might think I'm arrogant on the park but that's

just me, I want to win games. I want to do the best I possibly can for

myself and for Celtic as well. If I'm part of it that's great, if not,

we've got team of the year. How does this current side compare with the

teams you've had over your ten years? Looking wise? LAUGHTER We

probably aren't the best looking bunch I've ever played with.

Footballing wise, it's been a death of fresh air. This season is the

best I've probably played in the whole of my career. Some things will

never change. Story of my life! You've got a few years left, do you

see them at Celtic? Yes, I want to finish my career at Celtic. I love

the place and for the last ten years it's been phenomenal. It's been a

great experience and here's hoping I can finish my career here and Gordon

Strachan says I can play the 14th! So if they give me another 80 deal

it would be much appreciated! LAUGHTER The only goal I'd score

that's probably been worthwhile! What was said, nothing or just a

stair? Nothing whatsoever! The Cup final, you win this, the treble, a

bit of pressure on your shoulders. There's always pressure on our

shoulders. The expectation level at Celtic is to win every game, every

cup, every league. This is the closest we've been so far, it's what

we wanted to do, ever since I signed for Celtic and this is the best

opportunity we have to do it. STUDIO: That was a great interview

but the most intriguing thing for me was that key -- keepy-up sequence.

For some people, Scott Brown is misunderstood. Probably. You heard

him saying that he was a demanding person. He's quite mouthy as well. I

think that filters through and people get the wrong perception. You

ask anybody who has dealt with him in a changing room, he's such a good

character, he's a genuine leader. He's got a great way about him. He

likes a laugh and a joke but when it comes to the football, very serious

and wants to win. Jayden Stockley starts up front for Aberdeen today,

in preference to Adam Rooney. Ryan Jack starts with the Dons as well.

Let's hear from Derek McInnes. I'm going to start with the obvious,

Stockley and Rooney on the bench, what you're thinking there? I felt

in the last game, Jayden Stockley imposed himself on the centre-backs,

allowed us to get up the pitch and get our midfield on the side of

their midfield a bit quicker. I think he occupies defenders a lot

more. And played the last final here and he was too detached, we never

got bodies close enough to him. I think that in the last game at the

Pittodrie Stadium, it was probably the most effective we've been in

terms of attacking play. I think Jayden had upon to play. He was in

pivotal in everything, he missed a chance and he was in a lot of the

right areas a lot of the time. His presence hopefully will help us gain

some territory and help us to play the game more in their half of the

pitch. Celtic are excellent in both attacking and defending and in our

half of the pitch and their half of the pitch. It's important to try and

pass that pressure at the right time. Hopefully Jayden will have a

positive influence, but we've picked a team we feel can win. Thank you,

good luck. We'll hear from Derek McInnes in more detail before

kick-off. Ryan Jack starts for the Dons. Jayden Stockley as well. What

a day in the rain at hand Hampden Park, that young man taking the

place of Adam Rooney in attack. How was that explanation? Pretty much as

I thought. He's looking back on the last game against Celtic at the

Pittodrie Stadium. There's no doubt Stockley is a big target man. Rooney

is and, he isn't the type of player whose more mobile. Stockley took

care of both centre-backs, they both struggle to cope with him on the

night. I think Derek knows against Celtic that they haven't done enough

in the Celtic final third. He needs to get up there a bit quicker. He

explained it all entirely how I thought he was thinking. For me,

you've got two guys in their crew would put the fear into the Celtic

defence. If you play them in a position, not write up top but in

behind the midfield, they can be your release. If you slide balls

into McGinn and Hayes, they can go and attack the Celtic backline and

then you can get your team further up the Park. You still have Adam

Rooney who's there to capitalise on the chances that can be made. We

interrupted our conversation that talking about Derek McInnes. We were

on the topic of Scott Brown and Brendan Rodgers and what a

partnership that has been this season. Here they are the other

night when Celtic won with style. They have plenty to say to each

other and it's obviously a key relationship. I think whenever

you've got a group of players, you need your go to man. I think in

terms of a manager and a captain, they have to have a really good

Bond, to be able to get the points you want to get across the players,

through him. You don't always want to be that voice of the manager.

Sometimes you want it to come from the players, especially the captain,

rather than hearing the manager's voice all the time. Brendan would

have leaned dons got to do a lot of that this season. There is always

either a word of well done or, will move onto the next game. He likes to

set targets, Brendan. If you think back to the start of the season, all

the chat was that Scott Brown was finished and Brendan Rodgers was

going to move him out. When I spoke to Scott he said he met him in

London early on before going to training and straightaway he knew

this was a guy he was going to get a relationship with. Scott said we all

feel fit and strong this season, they probably aren't that fitter

than last season but psychologically they feel as if they are five yards

quicker, so much stronger physically. That is what a good

manager does. Now he is talking as if he might

play till his 40. Alasdair Strokosch said he wouldn't play -- Gordon

Strachan said he wouldn't play until he was 40. Scott Browne,

misunderstood, think opposition fans don't like him because he is good.

He is a winner. By the way it is not a popularity contest, when you are

out there, you are out there to win. Who cares at the end of day, if you

are popular or not with the opposition fan, as long as you are

popular with your home fans. What he wants to do is lift that piece of

silver wear that was with us earlier, the Scottish Cup Final

Celtic against Aberdeen and we are just about half an hour from kick

off. Let us have one last helping of our Cup Final poet who has been

retelling the story of the competition. We are talking prematch

rituals and the part played by superstition.

If we are no winning at half-time, it's because he hasn't shaved. His

magic Trings have saves us more than once. I imagine the manager in the

dressing room on the phone to my stepmum saying get him in the

bathroom now. She makes us a cup of tea. Brings through biscuits and dad

Parretts the patter he has held on to. St Mirren is the best team

Celtic have played this season. Why do I always come back? There must be

a reason. At last Celtic are level. In the space a minute Celtic have

turned this game on its head. Did you see Rangers hammer Hamilton?

Can he get a hat-trick? He can't. Aye. McGregor, the opening goal of

the second semifinal. Hibs getting Aberdeen, only took them 12 seconds

to take lead. In the opening minute and that is an unbelievable start

for the Dons. He shoots, McGregor takes a knee.

It is ambitious but deflected into the net! Net! And in every village

and every town and every city stories the same. An alien would

find it strange the chant and the dance with the paints faces saying

us when they mean 11 men, what is a week and why is it so important when

it end? Dad leans back on the couch. He come poetses his text. Good

morning boys and girls what's crack. Hampden is bathed in sunshine, you

would think it was set for a party. It is line Spain, minus the

flip-flops. Keep you updated. Now, now, Celtic, Aberdeen.

That has been great. Liam's build up to this big match and of course the

road to Hampden which is a traditional part of the Cup Final

coverage. The Celtic fanses were in good voice on Thursday night at the

Glasgow hydroas they celebrated the 50th anniversary of Lisbon 1967. Let

us find out what they are saying prematch here. Scott Brown is going

to score first. Score any time of day. 2-1. He thinks 3-0. 3-1 to

Celtic. Come on The Hoops. Come on The Hoops. Hopefully maybe 3-0. You

are confident then? Definitely. 4-0. Griffiths, Dembele. McGregor, I

would like to see score a goal today. A few, aye, I think we will

do well. Come on Celtic! I think we just about heard that. Optimistic

and why not going into the big match, the invincible. Can they do

the treble? We have heard about Derek McInnes about the team, let us

listen to him in more detail. I sat down with him the dug out. A chance

for McClean. Aberdeen are turning it on. I love watching my player, I

don't get nervous when I watch my team. I I look forward to 3.00 on

Saturday. That is an unbelievable start for the Dons. We played a lot

of big games, meaningful games. Try to deliver training sessions and the

way we are working, to enjoy it as a player. An outstanding late winner

surely for Aberdeen. I quite like the thought that we are mixing it

with Celtic. I think it is important that myself and the staff set the

pace, really and we have. The way we are working is demanding on the

players. Couldn't think of anything worse if

there wasn't an expectation to be successful We were the bottom six,

in a poor place, we weren't be respected. We were irrelevant as a

club, we were living on history and I feel how we are prominent and we

are a club that is expected to win more trophies in the time we are

ear. So a third Cup Final in four year, we have won one, lost one, we

know how that felt. Rogic on the edge of the box. A

wonderful goal by Tom Rogic. Forrest attacking the box. This Cup Final

may be won already. It is going to hark head. It was disappointmenting.

It is a long way back up the road after this performance.

Remining of the Cup Final, it was as if there was a fall out in the

family and we have had to get results again, get the supporters to

believe in us again. I think the players' response to losing that has

been magnificent, you know, to go on a record winning home run in the

last 25 years and going two or three good spells has gone a long way, I

think, to showing that we are not as bad has the team that played in the

cup fine. Are you sure that won't happen again? As sure as we can be.

It was a shock to me, how we played. You know. But, you know, Sir Alex

spoke to me after the game. He phone add few days later, he spoke about

how I think he had lost 11 Cup Finals as a manager. A lot of people

wouldn't have realised that. It is only by revisiting them and getting

yourself familiarised with the whole day, and the whole situation and the

intensity of the whole day, you start to become at home within that,

we have to respect opponent and the point can do that to any team in

Scotland. What we need to try and do is make sure that anything Celtic do

get, they will have to earn that and work for it. We have to try and deny

space, deny they are better players touches of ball. We will have to

become forward and be aggressive. We have to make sure how we respond to,

if we go behind, are we going to accept that is it? We will show we

are more than that and we have to show ael determination and attitude,

that we believe the trophy is coming back to Aberdeen. Big moment. Huge

goal from Jonny Hayes, it is Aberdeen who go in front.

When Rangers were promoted people felt we would be pushed aside to get

to a second Cup Final and be the only team that can stop Celtic now,

winning all three trophy, that pleases me, it is us. That is is a

brilliant ball. McGee has put Aberdeen into the lead. The Scottish

Cup is seen as a special trophy for Aberdeen. It was synonymous with

successful periods within the club's history. I want that for my players.

It would be some achieve to beat Celtic and bring the Scottish Cup

here for the first time since 1990. Celtic have top players but we can

beat them. Holding on to that real belief and confidence, if we can

achieve that. I can't give them the medal. I would love to put it in

their hand and walk back in dressing room and look at them and all have

winners' medals in their hands. It is important we see the bigger

picture. We want to try and be the best team in the Cup Final and the

winning team. What an impact he has had in his

time at Aberdeen. He has improved them year on year, that takes some

doing, that is for sure. Big days, big decisions as well for Tony

Doherty alongside Derek McInnes with Jayden Stockley a starter and Adam

Rooney left out of the starting line up. The Aberdeen fans I guess will

be wondering what part the League Cup Final will play in today's game.

Has it drained Aberdeen's belief of getting the job done on the big

occasion, or can they use this, Celtic's 3-0 win from the 27th

November, 2016 as motivation, to get it right today? Simply they have to.

You know, you listen to Derek there, I am sure they have spoken about it

on many occasion, it is St no an occasion where you want want to put

one side. They were hurting coming off park. The fans didn't enjoy it.

They didn't turn up that was the most disappointing aspect of League

Cup Final. We are talking about the two best teams in Scotland now.

Aberdeen have got to go out and at least prove that they are the second

best. And hope on day they can be the best team in Scotland. But they

have to use that experience, absolutely. I have been there myself

in losing Cup Final, you have to use that experience, you have to have

that inner strength to make sure you perform. So much of this is

psychological and is sorted out before the teams come on the pitch.

You have to to be in the right state of mind. He spoke brilliantly well.

I really do believe that you have to experience the disappointments here,

before, and they make you stronger. I spoke about it with the Hibs team

when we got beat. On the day I thought we were the better team but

we made fundamental mistakes we cost us the result. I kept driving

forward all the time, saying you have to learn from this experience.

You have to be able to, when you go back next time you experience the

jubilation of winning, and you can see Derek saying there, that yes, OK

we haven't performed well but if we can perform to a certain level, he

honestly believes he can beat Celtic. If you look at the two Cup

Finals last year. There was fundamental mistake, you shot

yourself in the foot at times. You think about the League Cup in

November there, Celtic breaking on Aberdeen. They lost possession in

areas where they were attacking, they got counters too Lesley. They

have to recognise they can't do those things so when they get in

those positions they have to be more clinical. This Celtic side are well

capable of countering an putting the game out of sight. We have spoken

about the significance of the Celtic captaincy and their relationship

between Browne and Roger, we have spoken about Jack and Shinnie. That

is key isn't it, and, that how Jack performs, what state of mine he is

in as Graeme Shinnie leads the team out? Yes, this is a great

opportunity for Ryan, a young player I know well, he has been at the club

from age 12 all the way through, was a stand out. So if will is one

person within the development programme that you would say is

going to make it to the top, it was going to be Ryan Jack. He has made

it there and been captain, I don't think he is a natural captain. You

look at Graeme Shinnie, for me watching him on the, park, he looks

like a natural captain. He looks like one who wants to take the

responsibility and grows as a person, on the field. So that is why

I don't think it is is a big deal. He has been sitting there waiting,

he hasn't been waiting for his turn, this is his turn, he is another

Aberdeen lad. He has the opportunity to go out and lift the trophy again.

He has already lifted the trophy. I remember speaking to radio room on a

last season and it was Shinnie's first year, he spoke about Shinnie

being the main leader in the team, but he had only joined, he didn't ex

pent him to get the captaincy. As the next captain. Captain. I do

think taking the captaincy off Ryan Jack, I just, it was surprising for

me when he is going to be a pivotal player in the game. Brendan Rodgers'

first season in the game as manager has ripped up the domestic book, it

could be treble time. # Out of the tree of life I pick me

It felt like it was destiny It felt like it was destiny

# You came along and everything started to hum. #

club club

# It's a real good bet # It's a real good bet

# The best is yet to come # What we have done this year has been

truly remarkable. I have really loved every minute of

it. From the first day walking out. At Celtic Park, you know, I think

the supporters showed their commitment to me then. By turning up

and giving me that ovation on arrival. And from that point then, I

knew that my commitment to them was to be the very best that could be,

that I couldn't let them down. McGregor. It is 3-0. They have had

enjoyment and I think they are proud of watching the team. I can see that

on the faces, I can see that in the stand and that is something that

makes me really happy. Most goals they have scored in a

season. Most points they have attained in a season, their biggest

title margin of victory. Celtic are invincible. I would suggest it is

probablies a once in a lifetime achievement you only need to look at

history, history tells you how difficult they are to achieve. With

a hub like Celtic, the many great managers they have had here, so for

us to do it we are in a privileged position, but we have earned the

accolade. I don't think it should take away from the fact you can

still improve. We might win one less trophy next year, we might lose some

games but we might progress in the Champions League. That can be

improvement. My focus is on improving everything in the club.

What is fantastic is there a lot of growth here at Celtic. The longer I

am here, the more I see, the more we can develop, and I can say that is

the exciting part. It is just beginning.

That's audacious. Another Moussa Dembele hat-trick. The players have

been remarkable, what they've given to the season, the professionalism

and focus, and quality. That self-improvement is there to see. It

is a remarkable achievement to have gone through that period, and

beaten. -- unbeaten. I'm not worried about my reputation, that's not the

worry for me. My only worry at this moment is to do the best I can for

Celtic. I've worked down south, I've worked in the Premier League, I've

worked in the championship. I think everyone is pretty clear of the

qualities I have, whether they are good or bad. This experience is a

special experience for me. I'm not sure I'll ever get this again in my

life, managing the club I've supported since I was a child,

managing a club I was born into. It is Celtic's League Cup and it is an

early silver lining to the Brendan Rodgers heiress. It was a really

special occasion, of course. The supporters enjoyed it. It was more

important that it was the club's 100 trophy and something tangible to

show for the early part of the season. CHEERING

A wonderful goal by Tom Rogic. We know it's going to be a really tough

game against Aberdeen. We played them five times this season already.

Even though we've had five victories, they'll come into the

game exactly as you would expect. You want to win, and irrelevant of

the performance, and we want to play well. We want to win the Cup and

finish off what would be a glorious season for us. STUDIO: The vital

statistics are mind boggling. Stillborn milestone to be achieved,

he will hope, today. He wants the treble. Yes, I think this is the

icing on the cake. They've had a fantastic season. They've been

fantastic to watch, they've been entertaining. He's made a couple of

additions to the team that have been a revelation. And now, you come to

the final game of the season and he will want the team to keep doing

what they've been doing in the previous nine months. Others have

come into Scottish football and had a big impact. This has been pretty

spectacular from Brendan Rodgers, hasn't it? Absolutely. If he does

want today it will be magnificent, if he doesn't, it will still have

been a fabulous first year for him. Taking some of the players we had

questions about last season and turning them into this machine that

just produces wins, even when they aren't playing well they'd find

something to produce a win. He's made better players of them and he's

made his mark. That is the hallmark of a good manager. There's been a

couple of additions who have been revelations but on the whole, you're

talking about a squad who really questioned last season, they didn't

perform the way they should have. Brendan Rodgers has come in, taking

them to a different level. There have been a couple of other players

he's taken from the periphery to be mainstays in this team. As I said, I

think that's the hallmark of how good a manager Brendan Rodgers is.

His one player who's had the Brendan Rodgers treatment, Scott Sinclair

who's been around quite a few clubs in England. His career was on the

starter. To Glasgow, and this was his goal of the bench, his first

goal at Tynecastle against Hearts. He's barely stopped scoring sense,

or setting up goals as well. When you look at the additions, you look

at Dembele who's had a great season. For me, Scott Sinclair has been the

most important player. Not only as he scored goals, he's created, his

flexibility within his game is fantastic. He'll make runs through

the middle, he goes down the left, he cuts inside, ghost on the right.

As a defender or as a team, to be able to adjust to that is very

difficult. It's been big games he scored in. The flexibility he gives

to the team. Celtic in possession, a lot of the time they rotate the tree

at the back. Tierney pushes up to the left and it allows him to step

up the line, it means it's difficult for opponents to pick up. I couldn't

agree more that he's been a real top find. Not even a find, a top player.

He's turned his career around. Brendan Rodgers has brought him to

Celtic and I'm pretty sure he feels it's the best decision he's made.

Talking about players he's relaunched, you could go through the

entire line-up. I think individually he's improved every player. But, you

know, another important aspect of any manager is taking individuals

and blending them in to 18, and a team who know what they are doing. I

haven't watched Celtic this season and had any thoughts that they

didn't know exactly what they were doing. Last season, absolutely. This

season, no. He's taken players, improved players, he's blended them

into a fabulous side. Derek has done it as well. I know we are speaking

about Brendan but Derek has done the same. He's improved his players

season upon season. That's why they both deserve the credit. They've

been fantastic. One key element in his team this season is Jonny Hayes.

He broke the Celtic monopoly of the Player of the Year nominations for

PFA Scotland. He broke into that and well-deserved too. He's got such a

great attitude, Michael. This is intelligence. He recognises where

the defenders are, gets on the end of the cross. He's got a great

attitude. His work ethic is phenomenal. He couples it with real

ability and he's so direct as well. Such a great finish. He's so direct.

If you get into areas of the Park, he has got the potential to hurt

Celtic. You don't want to him tracking back, chasing full-backs

and ending up in the back himself. You want him in those areas in and

around the box. He is capable of scoring goals and hurting Celtic.

Aberdeen bon Jonny Hayes to be on Sun today. They also want Niall

McGinn to go out in style and produce his best. There are two key

players. Whenever I watch Aberdeen, if they have been influential, if

they've been in the opposition half of the Park, if they are in and

around the goal, they are going to create opportunities. Jonny Hayes

with his directness, Niall McGinn with his intelligence. He just gets

his shoulder and puts the cross into the box. These are two key players.

You can't have Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn tracking back. When you've

got the ball these two have got to get themselves up the Park and cause

problems for the Celtic full-backs. Let's face it, the Celtic full-backs

don't have many problems to take care of during the season. They need

a problem this afternoon. Look about, colourful and amazing

pre-match at Hampden Park, with the Scottish Cup final just minutes

away, Celtic against Aberdeen. Not a seat to be had. Aberdeen would love

to think they can be asserted from the start, and impose themselves.

That's easier said than done against Celtic. Celtic make you feel

inferior because they've got those good players. That creates doubt

amongst the players. That's why you see some teams who feel like they

are always on the back that all the time. They need that belief and

confidence to say, we are going to have a go at Celtic and try and put

them under pressure. You just never know. You're talking about the

teams, nobody has beaten Celtic this season and most teams are playing a

containment game against Celtic. Celtic get into the rhythm, and

eventually they are going to break you down. In a cup final you've got

to take the risk. In the guys with Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes,

they've got two players capable of exploiting those areas down the

centre halves, getting some penetration and putting balls into

the box. Jayden Stockley may get on the end of it but I would rather

have Adam Rooney in there. We are talking about Aberdeen going

forward. What about Aberdeen defending. At times they've been

very rocky at the back. They've got to be solid. The two centre-backs

have got to make sure there are no errors today. You don't give

anything to Celtic. It's going to be difficult enough out there feeling

and coping with a team like Celtic. If you give them opportunities it is

really impossible. I was part of a team that when we went out, we felt

we were superior. And other teams were inferior. Aberdeen have an

opportunity to show that they are a very good side to take on this

partly superior Celtic side and overtake them. To do that this

afternoon would be immense. It would be immense the Derek, the team and

the city. I asked Brendan Rodgers if this final hurdle this season

brought extra pressure and made this much more difficult. His answer is,

we have that pressure week in, week out, gaming, game out, always

expected to win. Brendan has given the players a huge amount of

confidence and belief to go and play. You can tell that by their

performances this season. Every one looks five times better than last

season. That will be the same today. Aberdeen have got to put all of that

out of the equation and go, our mindset is, we've got to play the

best game we've played all season. We talked about captains, there's

got to be 11 captains out there today. They've got to have 11

performances above anything they've done this season in order to get a

result. If they can do that, they can cause an upset. It's going to be

difficult but they can cause an upset. Do you see it happening to

Aberdeen, Michael? It's a long shot. There's no doubt Celtic are the

favourites. It's football and anything can happen. You just never

know, as Allen said. If you stick to the game plan, you get a slice of

luck, something falls your way, you never know. That's what you've got

to believe in. You've got to believe you got the chance and you can do

it. There they are, the teams in the tunnel for this 2017 William Hill

Scottish Cup final. Will it be a trouble for Brendan Rodgers and

Celtic? Can Aberdeen land the Scottish Cup for the first time

since 1990? You are about to find out in the company of our commentary

team Steven Thompson and Liam McLeod. COMMENTATOR: It was a fairly

forgettable final back in 1990, that memorable conclusion for Aberdeen

when Brian Irving scored that decisive penalty. A chance to follow

legends. Two clubs with a wonderful history. The invincible is against

the Dons. It's been 15 years since the top two sides in Scotland met in

Scottish football's showpiece. The first time these two clubs have gone

head-to-head in a 27 years at this stage of the Scottish Cup. The

inescapable spectre of the troubles it is tantalisingly close for this

Celtic team. 47 domestic games have come and gone and they haven't lost

one of them. Just one more, just the fourth time in their history, they

will sweep all three of Scotland's's major trophies. Many believe that if

that is to be stopped, Aberdeen are the only side capable of doing so

right now. However, the five meetings this season have yielded

five Celtic victories. So, a big afternoon for Mr Rogers and Derek

McInnes. Graeme Shinnie has picked up the armband for the last game of

the season. Ryan Jack will be the the parting stage left after this

afternoon's showpiece. Moussa Dembele is back but he is on the

bench for Celtic. Leigh Griffiths continues up front. Colin McGregor

gets the Lords having score that wonderful opener against Rangers in

the semifinals. It's strong, very strong. As you would expect, threats

all over the place in that Celtic side. No Adam Rooney for Aberdeen,

what a decision that is by Derek McGuinness. The Dons top scorer, he

will cut a frustrated figure among the substitutes. Jack returns for

his first start in a month. He, Taylor and McGinn look like they are

playing their final games for the club. Dembele is on the Celtic

bench. The other five outfield substitutes, full internationalists.

Rooney joined by his countryman O'Connor.

Fabulous scenes as Aberdeen do their warm up, their biggest day for a

long time. Sinclair has been man of the season. The football writers

association Player of the Year. He was the PFA Scotland Player of the

Year as well. Scott Brown was the league player sponsors Player of the

Year. The shocking and tragic events of

Monday night in Manchester, were sobering, yet more lives

unnecessarily cut short and Hampden Park will fall silent to pay tribute

to those killed, injured and affected by what happened at the

start of the week. Innocent people, many young

children, simply went to a music concert and didn't come home.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE

The big boards which have been installed affected

APPLAUSE The big boards which have been

installed here with the message "We stand together" and everyone does

stand together with the people of Manchester and those affected by yet

more abhorrent acts, on Monday evening.

Celtic have been celebrating a very special anniversary this week, the

50th anniversary of their most famous triumph, when they became the

first British club to win the European Cup in the Portuguese

capital Lisbon. Aberdeen looking to provide Celtic with a fly in the

ointment. Not many are giving them a chance today. Unless you are of a

red-and-white persuasion. The 13 the end Scottish Cup Final. It hasn't

finished goalless since 1990. Will it be a treble for Celtic or will

Aberdeen end a wait of 27 years for a trophy they grew accustomed to

picking up across the 1980s? The Scottish champions on an unbeaten

run of 32 games and even then that defeat was inflicted by Barcelona,

and Messi's double. The great Milan side, Arsenal, Conte's Juventus,

Celtic matched them last week with an unbelievable league season.

Aberdeen need to start better than they did in the Cup Final at the end

of November. They have to believe they can win today, they need to

play for me, the perfect game to win today, they cannot afford to have

even one of their players below par. An early chance. Looking for

Stockley. Here is Shinnie, lovely play from the captain. He couldn't

dig it out in time. Considine. Celtic clear, positive start for

Aberdeen. Really positive start. Jonny Hayes

showing his worth on the right-hand side. Getting a decent ball intoy

the box. Aberdeen had a brilliant league season themselves, beating

their own record points tally they set under McInnes a couple of years

ago. MacLaine. -- McLean. Tierney, who has had a terrific

season, Griffiths is offside: That is an early warning shot for Logan.

He was caught up the park there. Givet should have timed his run

better, he looks as though he might have been onside when the ball was

played through. It is easy from an Aberdeen perspective.

Moussa Dembele picked up that happen string injury in the semi against

Rangers, he made it to the bench. Bench. Bobby Madden, an emotional

day for him, the referee, he was diagnosed a year ago today with

thyroid cancer, his quick recovery sees him take change of his first

major final. Terrific moment for him.

Celtic in the green and white as you would ebb expect attacking Mount

Florida Aberdeen shooting east. This is a first touch for Robert, on loan

from Manchester City. How Celtic would like to get him back. Slips it

through to Armstrong. Jack following him.

A heavy touch from Armstrong. They have not said that too many times,

he has been outstanding, a great wee bit of play from Celtic. Keeping the

ball. Rotating as that he do, in the final third, Armstrong just overrun

it. Just over a year to the day that

Brendan Rodgers was paraded at Celtic Park.

What an impact he has had on the club. Only two Celtic managers have

won a treble before him. He was on to win it today. Jock Stein and

Martin O'Neill. Stein did it twice. Hayes. Taking on Tierney.

Really good defending by Tierney who is a wonderful attacking threat for

Celtic. He knows how to defend. People for get that at time, he is

is a top defender, Jonny Hayes is quick, believe me, when he turned

with the ball there, against most defenders in the league he would

have been away to get a cross in the box. Tierney got his body in front

of him. Fantastic defending. Griffiths. 18 goals this season. He

scored 40 last campaign. Doing well to repeat the trip.

Celtic have improved tenfold in this kind of situation this season.

Playing out from the keeper. Considine trying to stick to

Roberts. Aberdeen fans appreciating the

effort of their left-back. Griffiths.

Aberdeen free kick. It is good play initially from

Griffith. I think he felt Shinnie gave him a nudge into Considine and

he was looking for the foul himself. It has been five different winners

of the Scottish Cup in the last five season s Hearts, Celtic, St

Johnstone, Inverness and Hibernian. Misunderstanding there between

Griffiths. Griffiths went too early on that occasion the last one was

tying but he was yards offside there.

Stockley will need better service than that from Taylor. If you are

playing as a loan striker, the service up to you is pivotal to the

whole system working, and the service has to be right. When it

comes up to Stockley, the link has to be right. The players McClean,

Hayes have to get round him in support. Aberdeen will play that

way, try and miss out the midfield where Celtic are strong and try and

get a foot hold further up the pitch in the Celtic half.

McGregor. What a game he has come on to in the closing months of the

term. Tierney. Sinclair. Sinclair. Taylor. He is

away from them as well. That will be a Celtic corner, it is their first

of the match. Sensational from Sinclair. He looks

like he has nowhere to go. He dinks it over Taylor. Poor defending from

Taylor. He is lucky the final ball wasn't the best from Sinclair.

They will still aim to profit though. Seven minutes in. Aberdeen

were 3-0 down after 11 minutes in the most recent league meeting.

Griffiths, looking for Boyata. That is not a bad effort from McGregor.

He slices away. It shows you the confidence he has

got. A decent clearance but he takes the touch and wants to hit it first

time. It is always going away when he slices it with his left foot. He

knows how to score here at Hampden. He burst on to the scene after

Diyala gave him his debut in Iceland. Fell away a bit McGregor,

but he is part of the furniture under Brendan Rodgers.

Hayes and Stockley combine, not once, but twice. That is an earn

corer. Good play from Aberdeen, a good interchange with Stockley,

again, Tierney showing what a top defender he is s closing the space

down, it is a conner this time. Certainly physical Stockley, he has

been sent off three times this season.

Hayes puts it in! Well, well, that wasn't in the Celtic script.

Aberdeen are out early on. What a finish by Hayes, the Dons lead the

final. That is a set play. Something they

have worked on. Stockley goes from back to front. Hayes comes round the

back. It is a fantastic left footed finish.

He has been one of their star men this season. Once again and Aberdeen

have drawn blood, nine minutes into this Scottish Cup Final. What a

moment for Jonny Hayes. When Derek McInnes went to his bed

last night he would not have been able to dream of a better start.

Against a rampant Scottish champions, Aberdeen are in front.

I was going to say, from an Aberdeen point of view, they want to hope

Celtic don't concede in the first ten minutes, no, you know and they

have gone and got the goal. It was a fantastically well worked set play.

That will certainly galvanise Aberdeen. Many thought if they were

going to win they would have to score the first goal. This will be

important times for the Dons as they try to prevent Celtic from replying

instantly. Simunovic. McGregor. Great challenge

by Shinnie but it brakes to Armstrong. Oh he levels it

immediately! Just over a minute after going

behind, Armstrong smashes Celtic back on terms.

What a reaction from Celtic from a player who has had an incredible

season. Who the ball come, he has onening in his mind. On his left

foot and there is the touch in a sensational finish into the bottom

corner. He's having a terrific campaign,

Stuart Armstrong. That is his 17th goal of the season. What a return.

Derek McInnes will be furious. To take the lead and then give it away

so quickly. We've just been saying they were important times for

Aberdeen to try and prevent the immediate retaliation. Every single

time Celtic have been asked a question this season, they have come

up with an answer. In the build-up to that, she needed

really well to get the ball for Aberdeen.

Stuart Armstrong was a young man at a club just north of Aberdeen back

in the day. A terrific finish. Could Aberdeen have defended better, could

the goalkeeper have defended it better? I think the quality of the

finish was superb. He had one thing on his mind, he hit it well and it

dipped right into the corner. I don't think you can blame the

goalkeeper. Celtic haven't started the way they would have planned.

It's been a sluggish start. They aren't controlling the match as they

normally do. It's a wonderful strike. I don't think anybody can be

at fault, individual brilliance from Armstrong.

A couple of goals early on. Another Scottish Cup final will go by

without a goalless draw. The last time that happened was between these

two, all the way to penalties. We are back where we started, Stephen.

Yes. Hayes tries to take on Simunovic. I think Aberdeen will be

the happier of the two sides at this stage, they've threatened more than

I thought they would. Celtic yet to find their rhythm.

The Dons with a free kick. Aberdeen playing in a new kit this afternoon,

the one they will be wearing next season. They did that the last time

they played in the Scottish Cup final, it was in 2000 against

Rangers. They lost Jim Leighton early on, didn't have a keeper on

the bench. Step forward Robbie Winters. Nice spin away from Brown.

McGinn couldn't find a team-mate. Scott Sinclair has got Tierney

rampaging. It's a decent overlap from Tierney. I think he slipped as

he was about to put the cross into the box. Brilliant play from Jonny

Hayes at the other end of the pitch, just before that, with his turn on

Scott Brown and his cutback. A foul thereby Boyata. He is disputing it.

It was always going to be a good tussle. He probably went down a bit

softly, there. Celtic maintaining this incredible scoring record they

have against Aberdeen. They've only failed to do it once since December

2000 and one. The Scottish Cup replay in Glasgow for Aberdeen. The

only goal in a replay. Less than two minutes between the two goals in

this final. Hayes looking for McLean. A real anti-climax for

Aberdeen. Scott Sinclair has it back. 64 games now, then. And only

in one of those have Celtic failed to score. Stuart Armstrong's

equaliser ensuring that continues. Patrick Roberts could have been away

on World Cup duty, chose to play for the club. He's been sublime this

season. The unsung hero in the Celtic team, Lustig. Mr dependable

at right back. The Celtic fans and Callum McGregor

felt he was fouled but they have it back anyway.

Getting the ball out there down by the corner flag. Nice bit of

possession for Celtic, that's more what we are accustomed to from them.

Keeping the ball, rotational movement, dragging Aberdeen around

defensively. A good challenge thereby McLean. Aberdeen trying to

get the ball to stick, a free kick here to take the heat out of the

situation. Kenny McLean does well initially to get the ball of Scott

Brown. Scott Brown has dominated so many matches for Celtic in the

middle of the Park this season. Aberdeen need to get someone on him,

tightly. Kenny McLean did that, there. Years of mediocrity for the

Aberdeen supporters, and a fabulous four years and the Derek McInnes.