Defending Scottish League Cup winners Celtic are headed to the final of this season’s competition.
Auston Trusty logged 120 minutes on Sunday as Martin O’Neill’s squad outlasted rivals Rangers 3-1 in extra time at Hampden Park. The American defender registered one assist in his longest outing of the campaign.
Johnny Kenny propelled Celtic in front after 25 minutes, giving the reigning league champions a 1-0 advantage.
Rangers were reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute as Thelo Aasgaard was sent off after receiving a straight red card.
However, Celtic could not take advantage of the extra man as James Tavernier’s 81st minute penalty kick level the match for Rangers.
Extra time was needed to find a winner and Celtic eventually grabbed a lead that they wouldn’t let slip away. Callum McGregor boosted Celtic ahead in the 93rd minute after a set up from Trusty before Callum Osmand added an insurance goal in the second half of extra time.
Trusty, who only returned to club action midweek, will now have the chance to play for his third trophy at Celtic. The American earned Man of the Match honors for his strong showing against Celtic’s largest rivals.
St. Mirren will oppose Celtic in December’s Final at Hampden Park. Stephen Robinson’s squad rolled past Motherwell 4-1 in Saturday’s semifinal tie and will be seeking to lift their first trophy since winning the League Cup in 2013.