Jeremie Frimpong endured the toughest test of his young career at Hampden Park yesterday.

Up against Rangers' £7million man Ryan Kent, the Celtic defender was forced to defend for his life during difficult spells of a 90 minutes where his side were outplayed for a majority.

The defender called it as it was, the hardest game of his life.

Jonny Hayes hails Celtic's Fraser Forster as best in the country after Betfred Cup final heroics

Shown a straight red card for hauling Alfredo Morelos down inside the box, the ex-Man City kid was relieved to see Fraser Forster save the resultant penalty.

And while he accepts a spot-kick was the correct call for referee Willie Collum to make, being sent-off for it was tough to take.

He said: "It was the hardest game of my life so far, really hard," he told BT Sport.

"But as a team we stayed strong, got our chance, scored and defended well so it was really good.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand applauds Hampden atmosphere as he takes in Betfred Cup final in Celtic end

"It is a penalty but you see Chris went to clear it and it ricocheted. [Morelos] was through on goal, so I had to.

"The red card was harsh, the penalty was right but it wasn't a red card."

He added: "I heard a fan shouting but I had my head turned so didn't know which side it was for then I knew it was our side so I was buzzing.

"Then it was the worst feeling ever because the minutes go so slow, I wanted to cry.

"But when they blew the whistle I was buzzing."