Celtic’s penalty shootout victory in the Premier Sports Cup final this afternoon was chock-full of drama, passion, and contention. Still, no moment was more pivotal than when Cameron Carter-Vickers prevented a Rangers attack – in which four blue jerseys streamed towards Kasper Schmeichel’s goal – all by himself.
The Hoops went behind late in the first half thanks to Nedim Bajrami, and six minutes into the second 45, things could have taken a turn for the worse.
After a quick turnover in the middle of the park, four Rangers players, led by Bajrami, set off on a promising attacking foray. One man stood in their way: the American colossus, Carter-Vickers.
Somehow, he managed to stem Bajrami wide and block his cross, diverting the ball out for a corner.
Had Celtic gone two behind, they likely wouldn’t have recovered. Instead, just five minutes after Carter-Vickers’ heroic defending, which Billy McNeill himself would be proud of, the Bhoys drew themselves level.
Although the game took countless twists and turns after that, it is unimaginable to think of the consequences had Carter-Vickers not intervened. He more than earned his wages this afternoon, proving just how critical he is to this Celtic side.
He, along with the green half of Glasgow, can have an early Christmas celebration tonight after an emotionally toiling Sunday at Hampden.
