Celtic claim League Cup glory in Old Firm final

A Kyogo Furuhashi double won the ViaPlay Cup for Celtic in a pulsating 2-1 win over Rangers at Hampden Park.

A minute before the end of a breathless first half, the predatory Japan striker tapped in from close range before netting a similar effort in the 56th minute to put Ange Postecoglou's side in a commanding position.

Gers striker Alfredo Morelos reduced the deficit 10 minutes later but a spirited Light Blues fightback fell short and indeed Celtic could have stretched their lead in the closing moments.

It was a first defeat for Michael Beale since taking over as Gers boss in November and it keeps Celtic on course for a domestic treble.

The champions have a nine-point lead over their city rivals at the top of the cinch Premiership and are still in the Scottish Cup and it looks like they will take all the beating this season.

The Ibrox camp had worried all week about injuries to key men but in the event Malik Tillman and John Lundstram were passed fit - January signings Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell started on the bench - and Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield started on the bench.

Midfielder Aaron Mooy recovered from a knock and returned along with Furuhashi with Matt O'Riley and South Korea's Oh Hyeon-gyu dropping out.

After a minute's applause in tribute to Hibernian owner Ron Gordon who died recently - which was disrupted by Gers supporters breaking into song - a frenetic match began amid a deafening noise.

In the 21st minute, Allan McGregor was forced into a decent save from Portuguese winger Jota's drive from distance.

Then, Hoops defender Cameron Carter-Vickers cleared a cut-back from Gers skipper James Tavernier and Celtic had to defend three successive corners.

At the other end, Furuhashi curled a shot from the edge of the