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Daily Record
Daily Record
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Graeme Young

Charlie Nicholas brands Rangers celebrations 'extreme' after Celtic win as he delivers stark confession

Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas reckons Rangers overdid it in the immediate aftermath of their Scottish Cup semi final triumph on Sunday.

The Light Blues heroes soaked up the 2-1 extra time win in front of 25,000 jubilant supporters after they outlasted the Premiership leaders at Hampden.

Gio van Bronckhorst 's men came from behind to end Celtic 's Treble dream and reignite their own hopes of a trio of trophies this season.

Rangers defeated Braga to reach the Europa League semi final before following it up with a vital triumph over Ange Postecoglou's side.

But Nicholas reckons the scenes of delight were over the top but insists he isn't resentful over the Ibrox side's big day.

Speaking to the Express, he said: "Rangers' celebrations at the end of their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic were a bit extreme.

"They deserved to go through because they were the better team at Hampden but there is still a lot of work to be done before they can really celebrate.

"I am not being bitter towards Rangers because I know the intensity of the emotions after an Old Firm derby."

Nicholas admits he didn't expect Rangers to secure consecutive wins over Celtic and Braga but was impressed with their heroics across both games.

However, he was left disappointed by former team at the national stadium who he felt toiled without imposing Giorgos Giakoumakis leading the line.

He added: "I have to admit, I never saw Rangers coming through on both fronts last week.

"Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent haven't been at their best and the champions had been struggling at the back, but they got the job done.

"Against Celtic, they got their shape right and passed the ball a lot better.

"Their substitutes made contributions and you have to take your hat off to Rangers going into their second extra-time scenario in four days. It was actually Celtic who looked a tired team.

"Rangers were better for the majority of the game.

"Van Bronckhorst had pinpointed Tom Rogic since he was the player who hurt his side most in the league derby at Ibrox a fortnight ago with the pockets of space he floats into.

"Van Bronckhorst was bold and instructed defender Calvin Bassey to press Rogic and that helped Rangers upset their rivals' rhythm.

"Yes, Celtic missed a golden chance to go 2-0 up through Cameron Carter-Vickers, but overall that is the poorest and most tired display I have seen from Ange Postecoglou's side this season.

"They offered nothing up the right flank and they missed Giorgos Giakoumakis in attack big time.

"I am not having a go at Postecoglou but his side are just trying to get over the line now in the title race.

"Rangers pushed them and John Lundstram had his best game for the club.They still did well even when Aaron Ramsey went off injured just before half-time.

"Scott Arfield was very good when he came on. He missed two very good chances against Braga that could have cost Rangers, but he scored the goal against Celtic that got them back in the game."

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