Kyogo and Celtic sacrifice that won Premier Sports Cup as Ange Postecoglou says star played 'on one leg'

Ange Postecoglou says Celtic's cup final hero Kyogo Furuhashi was determined to play "even on one leg" as his brilliant brace secured the first silverware of the season.

The Japanese forward was a doubt for the Premier Sports Cup showpiece after picking up a hamstring injury against Real Betis.

Furuhashi started against Hibs though, scoring two stunning goals to win the praise of his manager.

Postecoglou said on Premier Sports: "He's a brilliant player but he's a great person too.

"He was just determined, even on one leg, to get out there today and help the boys out."

Postecoglou has tasted silverware in Japan and with the Australian national team, but the 2-1 victory at Hampden is his first trophy in Scotland and the former Yokohama F Marinos boss knows exactly what it means.

"It is (emotional)," he said.

"I know the significance of it and it's been a hell of a ride so far. I'm just so proud of this group of players, they've been the most resilient group I've ever come across with what's been thrown at us the last five or six months and I'm super pleased they get their reward."

The start to Postecoglou's reign was a little shaky before Celtic hit their stride, but the Australian shrugged off the suggestion that the pressure has been lifted with the League Cup win.

Postecoglou insisted: "Nah mate it's not pressure, it's what I want.

"It's why you accept this position, you don't accept this position to shy away from creating special things.

"We're still at the beginning and we want to enjoy this because this group of players has been through an awful lot and yet risen to this challenge - including today.

"We just want to keep going.

"It (the goal) was the first time they got in our box, they scored and I thought we were really comfortable up until then but it was a perfect response and a great way to get back in the game.

"It's everything, it's what this club is about and it's what football is about. We just pass through these clubs but the people in here, that's generational support.

"They've invested their lives and their kids' lives in this football club, these are their rewards and we want to give them to them.

"It's the only measure at Celtic, you win it then you go on to the next one."

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