Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, McManus said: “The first half especially, our performance was excellent. We spoke to the players all week, and before the game, about the importance of our performance.

'We showed everything we were capable of as a group of players, with their intensity and their quality.'

“In the second half we kind of lost our way a wee bit. We never really played with that same intensity, and turned the ball over far too often. It was very much a game of two halves.

“Overall I am delighted for the boys. The hard work and effort they put in throughout the season had been terrific.”

Despite suffering a number of setbacks, including conceding a late equaliser and missing the first spot-kick of the shoot-out, the Celts continued to bounce back and display the fantastic mentality within the squad.

That is an aspect the coaching staff have put a lot of focus into over the last year, in what has been a strong season for the young Hoops.

“I’m really happy with their response to the setbacks,” McManus said. “They have worked so hard this year, and they have bought into everything myself and Darren have spoken about.

“There has been a real togetherness within the staff. All we have done is tried to put all the work and focus into the players, which is what it should be.

“They are the ones out there doing the running, and trying to become Celtic first-team players, which is such a hard thing to do.

'For 45 minutes some of our play was outstanding, and that is the way they have gone about their business across the course of the season.'

“So we are absolutely delighted with that. Of course, there are still areas we can work on. It’s been a long hard season for the players, and we have one more game to go with a friendly.

Wednesday evening’s victory rounds off what has been an incredibly busy campaign for the Bhoys across the 2022/23 season. And it was finished off in ideal style, with the Celts lifting silverware after becoming 2023 winners of the Glasgow Cup.

The entire Celtic coaching staff have been delighted with the players' overall performances this campaign. Now it is all about pushing on, as McManus challenged the youngsters at the club to go and make a claim for the first team.

He said: “The games programme has been really good for the boys. They need competitive football after Under-18s, and we have been fortunate.

'As I say, the variety of matches we have been able to play has been terrific and you can really see some of the boys have blossomed physically and mentally.'

“They have also improved tactically. With the way that we play at this football club, it is going to challenge you, but the boys have stuck to principles in how we play, which is important because the highlight of those guys career hopefully not going to be winning the Glasgow Cup.

“The most important thing is to try and get into our first team, and try to become a valuable member of the squad - become the next Callum McGregor or James Forrest.

“We know it’s a big ask, but there are certainly players who have the belief and capabilities to do that.”

Stephen McManus: Bhoys deserve cup success after all their hard work this season