Celtic were the stronger team for much of the game, although it took until just before half-time to get the breakthrough, and it was Kyogo who slotted the ball home from a Greg Taylor cross.

The Japanese striker, who scored both goals in last season’s 2-1 League Cup final victory over Hibernian, netted his second of the game when he finished off another great team move early in the second-half.

At that stage, the cup holders were dominating but an Alfredo Morelos goal galvanized the opposition.

However, the Hoops remained resolute in defence and could even have added to their goals tally late in the game when both Sead Haksabanovic and Matt O’Riley had chances to score.

“It’s a cup final and rarely will one side dominate, although I thought we were fantastic in terms of our football, in such a big game with the atmosphere the way it was,” said the Celtic manager.

'We still scored two great goals and we had an opportunity to break the game open, but credit to Rangers, they stuck in there and went a bit more direct and we had to defend a lot.'

“And obviously when they got the goal they got a bit of encouragement from that, but again, this time is not just one-dimensional and it’s not just about what we do when we’ve got the ball.

“They’re a real resilient group of players and we had to defend. The back four were outstanding in dealing with what they had to, in terms of crosses, and the guys in front of them continued to work hard.

“We had to navigate a sticky patch then, but we finished strongly and probably should have put the game away, but overall I thought we earned it tonight by doing all facets of the game.”

For the Celtic manager, thoughts will only turn to the next game – a league game away to St Mirren – when the players report back to Lennoxtown on Tuesday.

“I think it’s important we enjoy today because, like I said, this group works awfully hard, not just the players but the staff on a daily basis,” he said.

“I’m pushing them all the time and there’s a reason I’m pushing them is for days like today.

'There’s no point talking beyond today and not letting them enjoy what they’ve achieved because I’m going to ask them to go again come Tuesday when we’re back in training.'

“So for them to come back into the building and again put in an effort, I need to let them enjoy and get rewarded tonight because they deserve it.

“That’s what they’ll do and once we’ve enjoyed it and celebrated it in the right and proper manner, then come Tuesday we’ll focus on St Mirren away. That’s a tough game against a tough opponent at a tough venue, and that’s what our focus will be.”

Manager: This cup win is a reward for all our hard work