CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou is happy for any one of his players to become the club’s new Hampden hero.  

Last time out in the Premier Sports Cup, Kyogo was the star of the day as his double against Hibs saw Celtic lift the trophy – as Postecoglou got his hands on his first piece of silverware in Scottish football.  

The game prior to that was the League Cup semi-final versus St Johnstone. Many fans will be keen to forget the game, as it was far from an entertaining affair.  

However, some magic from James Forrest was enough to push the Hoops on to the final of that competition.  

In recent years, through the quadruple treble era, there have been various other Hampden heroes for the Celtic faithful to adore.  

Tom Rogic against Aberdeen, Kristoffer Ajer against Hearts, Odsonne Edouard – also against Hearts and of course, Callum McGregor against Motherwell. 

All of the players in those sides have their special place in Celtic’s history.  

And above all, that’s why Postecoglou is happy for any of his stars to steal the show when it comes to next Sunday’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers. 

Talisman Kyogo should be back involved for the derby clash, having missed the 2-1 victory at Ibrox last week, with his return from injury delayed slightly. 

So, while the focus will obviously be on what the Japanese star could provide for the team following a four-month absence, Postecoglou is keen to stress that he has several players who could be the matchwinner. 

Asked if Kyogo could be Celtic’s gem yet again, he answered: “Yeah, could be James Forrest. He had good run at Hampden as well. I think the beauty of our team is that we are not going to be relying on just one person. 

“It is about whoever gets the opportunity on the given day and so far people have been really good about stepping up and taking the opportunity when it presents itself. 

“Kyogo was brilliant in the final, it was James in the semi final. For us we go into every game and try to be the best we can be. 

“I keep saying to the lads the opportunity can fall to anyone. It fell to Cameron last week to score the winner. We will make sure we prepare a team that is ready for the challenge in front of us and then when the opportunity arises hopefully we will take it.” 

Derby fixtures between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden are few and far between. It’s certainly a rare experience in the modern era of football. 

It’s also unique in the sense that it will be the second Old Firm derby in a fortnight.  

Celtic edged that game at Ibrox, thanks to goals from Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers.  

Postecoglou’s side didn’t have to play to their best of their capabilities, as the result was all that mattered.  

The victory moved Celtic six-points clear at the summit of the Premiership at the time, with the title looking increasingly likely to head back across to Glasgow’s east end from Govan. 

And more of the same will do for Postecoglou at Hampden next week, as he pointed out that the one-nature of the tie gives the game a different feel. He believes that the previous encounter being so close will have no bearing on the result. 

He added: “Well, we have obviously been in good form for a very long time and you take confidence from that as a group. 

“And it is a Cup semi final. With Cup semi finals you know it doesn’t matter what form you are in, it doesn’t matter what has happened the week before, it doesn’t matter what has happened in the previous encounter. 

“It is a one off game. There is going to be an edge to it, the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable. Wow. 

“So those kind of things become secondary. You just know it is going to be a really tight contest and we will be ready for it. 

“We have been good all year in rising to whatever challenge is in front of us and this is another one. 

“The confidence we have is in our ability to overcome the challenges we have encountered so far and the semi final will be a big game. We will all be excited about being part of it and hopefully being successful in it.”