THE huddle lasted a good ten seconds longer than usual. Maybe more.
The win which preceded that coming together will be remembered for years as the day Celtic won their 100th trophy.
Scott Brown, as he does before kick-off at every match, gathered his boys around him and made sure every single one of them knew what was expected and what was at stake against Aberdeen.
This was no tub-thumping. Instead, it was a carefully thought out speech from an inspired captain. It worked.
"The importance of the occasion was reiterated to us before the game started. When we went into the Huddle, Broony spoke to us about that," revealed Patrick Roberts who was one who hung onto the words of his skipper.
“He told us we had a chance to make history by winning the 100th trophy and how much that would mean.
“Scott’s been through everything at Celtic. He’s been here for many years and knows exactly what it means. He has been in that position so many times and made sure we were all aware of what was at stake.
“For a guy like him to speak to us with such raw passion in the huddle was lovely. It was great to hear his words before the game and really motivated us to go out and win the game.
“As soon as that whistle went, we were all determined to go and show what we are capable of. We did that, we got that 100th trophy and it was a special day for everyone involved."
Roberts played a big part in his side's win and the on-loan Manchester City man thoroughly enjoyed his first cup final win.
"It was a great result and again, we showed our dominance against Aberdeen," he said."We’d played them twice already this season and won both games, but we knew it would be different.
“They are a good side, it’s always a tough game against them, but we showed what we are capable. Days like this are the reason I came to Celtic in the first place.
“I wanted to win trophies and play in big games and that’s exactly what I have done. I won the league last year, I now have this cup and I want to keep going now.
“This was the first trophy we could have won this season and we have managed to do it. Now we want to push on for the rest of the season and win as much as we can.
“The manager has made a huge difference. There is so much belief and hunger in the squad and everyone can see that on the pitch."
And, so, can Celtic win the Treble? Roberts wasn't interested in playing down what could be achieved.
He said: "Of course we can. Anything is possible at this stage of the season.
“We need to show the belief throughout the season but we showed against Aberdeen the dominance we have.
“Hopefully we can go on to challenge for the Scottish Cup and the league, too.
“We are striving to be the best. We want to win everything and this was a big step towards getting the trophy count we want at the end of the season."
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