Double delight for Celtic as Hooper sinks Hibs

Gary Hooper’s brace helped Celtic clinch the double as the Hoops swept to a 3-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Hooper struck twice in the first half and Joe Ledley’s late strike completed a record-extending 36th Scottish Cup triumph for Celtic and their first league and cup double since 2007.

Hibernian had been desperate to make amends for last season’s final thrashing by arch rivals Hearts.

But Hooper volleyed Celtic in front in the eighth minute from a Anthony Stokes cross before the same pair combined in the 31st minute for the English striker to head home his second.

Welsh midfielder Ledley bagged the third in the 80th minute as Hibernian’s 111-year wait to win the Scottish Cup continues. Celtic were without the suspended Victor Wanyama and Beram Kayal, but boss Neil Lennon welcomed back winger James Forrest from injury, while top-scorer Leigh Griffiths passed a late fitness test for Hibs.

AFP