Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic flashback to horror moment of yesteryear during Aberdeen penalties drama

Brendan Rodgers was getting flashbacks to the 1990 Scottish Cup final during Celtic's incredible penalties win over Aberdeen.

Today's first semi-final served up an absolute cracker as the sides both threw everything at it, drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes and then 3-3 after extra-time in a game packed full of drama. Then in penalties, Joe Hart surprised everyone by taking a kick and he missed it to offer the Dons hope.

But the experienced keeper ended up being the hero as he was equal to Killian Phillips' effort to send his team into the final. In 1990, a final between the same two opponents went to penalties and Anton Rogan ended up being the fall guy by missing to allow the Pittodrie men to win 9-8.

Rodgers admits his mind was flashing back to that moment and he was desperate not to suffer the same fate as his fellow Irishman.

He told BBC Scotland: "I had in my mind a flash of Anton Rogan. Anton Rogan was a player for Celtic and, bless him he missed a penalty against Aberdeen many years ago and I'm thinking 'Don't be the next Irishman in the position, please'.

"But I'm really proud of the team, the supporters were brilliant for us and it brings us to another final."

While it may have been a sizzling affair from a neutral's point of view, Rodgers was unable to really enjoy it but credited both sides for their effort.

"It was awful wasn't it?," he joked. "I need a therapy session after that. What a game for the neutral, great spirit. Credit both teams, aberdeen done fantastic. Nothing to lose, but came and played really well.

"We had to dig in after a slow start but just happy to be in the final."

Despite that credit going to Aberdeen, he admits there was a frustration this team weren't able to see it out - conceding late goals in the 90 minutes and in extra-time.

He added: "I think we had the chances. We just needed a bit more care with the ball to arrive into the spaces.

"Especially with the third goal in extra-time, that' exactly what you need to do Get yourself up the pitch, shorten the game, work the spaces and make them work.

"But we just couldn't see it through."