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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Ange Postecoglou hands Celtic 'lucky man' reminder to Michael Beale as Rangers boss told stars have Midas touch

Ange Postecoglou has taken a tongue in cheek jibe at Michael Beale after his Celtic side's 2-0 Viaplay Cup semi-final win over Kilmarnock.

Daizen Maeda claimed the first goal after a botched Kyle Lafferty clearance before Giorgos Giakoumakis scored the second in stoppage time to ensure a final with Aberdeen or Rangers next month. Ibrox boss Beale said the Australian was a 'lucky man' for the amount of money he's been able to spend at Parkhead while praising the job he done at the Premiership champions, something not lost on Postecoglou.

When asked about Maeda's contribution to the Celtic performance against Killie, he told Sportsound: "I don't know about fortune, I am a lucky man, so maybe it is filtering through to the players as well. He did well. Credit to Derek (McInnes) and his boys, they gave everything. It's a semi-final of a cup and that's what you expect. It was a battle today. Conditions made it tough, the pitch made it tough."

Match winner Giakoumakis scored the winner amid speculation Urawa Red Diamonds could be set to snap him up, while Josip Juranovic started as rumours swirl around his future.

Postecoglou added: "I think if people think Giorgos or Josip are distracted, the performance says it all. They are fully focused on what is before them.

"I see guys who are committed to the football club and will be ready when called upon."

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