Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds has acknowledged Celtic’s relentless winning mentality following their tense Premier Sports Cup Final triumph over Rangers.
After a pulsating 3-3 draw and a nerve-shredding 5-4 penalty shootout victory, Dodds praised Celtic’s ability to handle the pressure and find a way to get over the line.
Despite Rangers putting in a determined performance that pushed Celtic to the limit, Dodds pointed to the decisive factor that sets the Hoops apart from their rivals:
“Celtic found a way,” Dodds told BBC
“Rangers brought so much to it, they ran them so close and pushed them all the way, but Celtic just have the mindset to hit five perfect penalties.
“They have the mindset of champions.”
Dodds’ comments reflect the grit and composure Celtic displayed when it mattered most, despite not being at their best.
The pressure of a cup final, particularly against their fiercest rivals, could easily derail any team. Yet Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, showed why they remain the benchmark in Scottish football, keeping their cool from the penalty spot with flawless execution.
Players like Daizen Maeda, who netted the decisive penalty, embodied this champion mindset. Even after an exhausting 120 minutes of football, Celtic’s focus and mental strength never wavered.
Brendan Rodgers’ influence was evident once again as his side maintained their composure in the shootout, extending his unbeaten record at Hampden and ensuring another piece of silverware for Celtic.
With this victory, Celtic move ahead of Rangers in the all-time trophy count, a fact that adds further weight to Dodds’ assessment. The Hoops’ ability to consistently deliver on the big stage continues to reinforce their status as Scotland’s premier force.
For Celtic fans, hearing such an admission from a former Rangers player only sweetens the victory, confirming what they already know: their team possesses the mindset of champions.
