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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Celtic 2 Kilmarnock 0 as holders to return to Hampden and defend League Cup - 3 things we learned

Celtic are just 90 minutes away from another League Cup trophy after victory over Kilmarnock in horrible conditions.

The rain and wind made for a tough night for both sides with Daizen Maeda scoring the opener after Kyle Lafferty's attempted clearance struck the attacker and flew into the back of the net in the first period. Sub Giorgos Giakoumakis added a second in the 95th minute to make sure of the holders' place in the final. Ange Postecoglou won this competition last season and is one final hurdle away from making it back-to-back triumphs and keeping hopes of a domestic treble alive and kicking this season.

The Hoops will find out who they will face back at the national stadium when Aberdeen and Rangers battle it out in the other semi-final tomorrow afternoon but for now it's time for celebration with another final for the players, management and supporters to enjoy. Here's three things we learned from this one.

READ MORE: Tobi Oluwayemi makes Celtic loan transfer exit as familiar face helps seal Cork City move

Big call

Ange Postecoglou made the big decision to drop new recruit Alistair Johnston for Josip Juranovic.

Speculation over the future of the full-back has been rife with a January transfer exit expected.

Could it be a farewell performance?

A bold decision with Johnston making a solid start to life as a Hoops player in his first couple of games including Rangers.

However, Juranovic justified the call with an overall solid display both defending and attacking.

Hampden calling...again

The holders will be back at Hampden to defend their trophy.

Ange Postecoglou's men lifted the League Cup as his first trophy as Celtic boss last season and he could make it back-to-back triumphs in the competition.

It's one that has special memories for the 57-year-old and could end up the first part of a potential Treble with the Scottish champions challenging on all domestic fronts this season.

They are now just potentially 90 minutes away from another trophy in the Parkhead cabinet.

Man of the moment

Daizen Maeda may not have know too much about his goal - but it was one he won't forget.

The Celtic star has taken his game to a different level since the World Cup return and added to his league strikes against Hibs and Rangers with the opener at Hampden.

Becoming a really important player in this Celtic side not just for his attacking qualities and speed but for his tracking back and hard work over the pitch.

Seven goals and five assists to his name now for the season so far!

READ NEXT:

- Ange Postecoglou in Cho Gue sung Celtic transfer address as he makes 'barber's neighbour' quip

- Chris Sutton aims Rangers dig as Celtic hero issues North London derby 'lifetime ban' quip

- James McFadden likens Celtic star to Virgil Van Dijk as he hands Liverpool comparison with 'so easy' verdict

- We ‘signed’ Cho Gue-sung for Celtic in January transfer and he became Rangers Old Firm derby hero

- Giorgos Giakoumakis Serie A move could be hijacked as French side Bordeaux 'make move' for Celtic striker

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