Brendan Rodgers jokes Celtic stars need THERAPY as Aberdeen nerve shredder keeps double dream alive

Brendan Rodgers joked that his shattered Celtic stars will be in need of therapy after edging Aberdeen in one of the most outrageous Scottish Cup semi finals in the 151-year history of the competition.

Three hours of 100mph chaos at the National Stadium only ended when Joe Hart saved Killian Phillips’ spot kick in a shoot out - moments after the keeper had missed his own to add to the drama. It means the Hoops’ defence of their trophy remains alive - just - as they wait to discover whether they will face Rangers or Hearts in the final.

And Rodgers said: “What a great spectacle for the neutral. We’re absolutely delighted to get into another final. We could have closed it out after going ahead. But Aberdeen kept coming back, fair play to them. There were a lot of big hearts out there. Never mind football sessions, we need therapy sessions now!”

Celtic had fought back from losing a second minute Bojan Miovski goal to lead heading into injury time through Nicolas Kuhn and sub James Forrest. But Aberdeen levelled with a Ester Sokler header and even Matt O’Riley restoring the Hoops lead midway through extra time wasn't enough to kill off the dogged Dons who again drew level through Angus MacDonald in injury time of extra time.

It teed up the spot kick drama - where Hart went from villain to hero in almost the blink of an eye to end the afternoon with his name echoing round the home support. Rodgers, however, refused to commit on whether the keeper would be allowed to take another should the final - his last ever game as a professional - also go to a shoot-out.

He said: “We looked at penalties during the week and Joe was always designated to take the fifth. He tried to get it as wide as possible but it was just a little too wide.

“But his mentality allows him to not let it bother him and we saw what happened in the end. He missed one, but he still ended up the hero.

“Joe’s worked a lot on the mental side of things for a long time now. He’s a very positive, upbeat character. If he has the confidence and he shows he can take them, you have to let him go. Though he may need a bit more practice before next time…”

The Irishman admitted he had flashbacks from 1990 when Aberdeen dumped the Hoops on spot kicks in the final - and his compatriot Anton Rogan was the fall guy for the Hoops. Rodgers said: “I had a flash of Anton Rogan in my mind. I'm thinking 'don't be the next Irishman in that position, please!' I'm really proud of the team, the supporters were brilliant, and it brings us to another final."

Despite the drama Rodgers insists the victory maintains the Hoops’ momentum as they look to drive over the finish line in the race for the Premiership title with five games to go. Skipper Callum McGregor returned to the starting line-up for the first time since late February and James Forrest was hailed by his boss for turning the game after his 61st minute introduction.

Rodgers though insists all thoughts now immediately turn back to league duty. He said: “Jamesie Forrest coming on was brilliant – he got us on the ball, combined well with those around him. He was absolutely brilliant, he changed the game for us. We started to keep the ball in the final third, he gets the goal.

“He’s just a big-game player. He’s shown recently what a big part he has to play in the final part of the season.

“Today was about getting to the final and doing that’s a great boost. Aberdeen have good players and they were free here, they could play.

“So I’m just so happy for the players that we’re coming back here on May 25. We can look forward to seeing who we play then. Then we block that out and look forward to five huge league games.

“We’re in a really good place. Cal’s had more minutes, other players are getting fitter, so we have five games and 15 points ahead of us to go for. We’re now all about a massive game at Dundee next week.”