LUIS PALMA SCORED a late winner as champions Celtic twice came from behind to round off another successful cinch Premiership campaign with a 3-2 victory over St Mirren on trophy day at Parkhead.
St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara twice gave the visitors the lead but goals from Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi had Celtic level at the break.
The second half was a quieter affair but Palma converted Anthony Ralston’s cross from close range in the 86th minute to give the home fans more reason to cheer ahead of the presentation of the silverware.
The goal prompted Brendan Rodgers to take off Joe Hart and set up the chance for the supporters to acclaim the goalkeeper in the final league match of his career.
The 37-year-old will aim to lift the seventh trophy of his three-year spell in Glasgow when Celtic take on Rangers in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final.
With next Saturday’s Hampden clash in mind, Rodgers made six changes following the title-clinching victory at Kilmarnock and one of the players coming in, Stephen Welsh, came close with an early header.
But St Mirren had cause to celebrate the season too after qualifying for Europe for the first time in 37 years and they took a seventh-minute lead when O’Hara fired home from 12 yards after the ball ultimately fell for him following a long throw-in.
O’Riley came close with a curling effort before firing home his 19th goal of the season after following in his own headed pass into Furuhashi in the 21st minute.
Saints were back in front five minutes later. Welsh nudged over Toyosi Olusanya after a long ball had bounced over the defender’s head and referee Matthew MacDermid pointed to the spot. O’Hara lifted the ball over Hart’s dive.
The Saints captain soon headed against the post, although MacDermid blew for a foul against one of his team-mates.
Celtic were level again in the 37th minute. Reo Hatate made strides down the right wing and delivered a low cross for Furuhashi to squeeze a finish inside the near post.
The home side had good chances to take the lead before the break but were off target with Palma’s diving header and Hatate’s volley.
As fans chanted Hart’s name, the 75-times capped England goalkeeper acknowledged the crowd before sprinting off the park, possibly when he realised he was in danger of getting over-emotional.
The former Manchester City player was greeted with a huge tribute banner in the standing section when he reappeared for the second half and stood there for a moment taking in the acclaim.
There was less action of note after the break but the game remained finely balanced, with St Mirren continuing to carry a threat.
Zach Hemming saved from from Furuhashi from an early chance and Celtic lost Welsh to injury, the defender walking off with his arm in a sling.
If anything, the Buddies looked the likelier team to grab a late winner until Palma gratefully received Ralston’s perfect cross to kick-start the party.
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Under 23s. Calm down.
Better than not scoring for the first team
The defender just casually lying down on the goal line haha
Was about to feel delighted for him… Then I read the eat of the headline. Setting the world alight in the championship reserves. All joking aside at least he’s getting some kind of fitness back. If they have an injury crisis he might get his chance
Genuinely some of the worst defending I’ve ever seen. May as well have been a penalty for all the time he had.
How is he in the under 23s if he is 25
This question pops up a lot….most people who follow football know a club is allowed field 3 outfield players over the age of 23…in an u23 team and an overage goalkeeper for good measure
The u23s have replaced the reserve teams so a certain number of overage players are allowed. I think it’s either 2 or 3 overage players per game. Thought you would have know that from your time at Chelsea Eva
Oh and Adrian, no need to be a patronising arse
Ah in fairness Gary…take a hike, Eva s always on here spoofin on football articles…and who doesnt know that rule in fairness
Seemed like a genuine question from a casual sports fan to me. You don’t have to be an expert in a sport to take an interest in it
Era go way Gomey head….an expert me hole