Rodgers Time

Andrew Smith's Cup Final Preview

To adapt one of Jock Stein’s immortal lines, Celtic weren’t the Scottish Cup’s first love, but they have proved its most enduring.

As the country’s two biggest draws prepare for a final on Saturday that will mark their first showpiece in the country’s oldest competition for 22 years, the Rangers support are in a folderol about the honours tally of their faded footballing power being equalled by rivals ravenous to complete a league and cup double. But Celtic can spare themselves all the lather concerning claims over the world’s most successful club whenever the Scottish Cup is the focus. Because, without fear of contradiction, Celtic are the global leaders when it comes to clubs snaring their pre-eminent national cup.