CHARLIE NICHOLAS admits he was delighted for Ange Postecoglou as Celtic lifted the League Cup against Hibs on Sunday.

The Hoops defeated their Edinburgh rivals 2-1 thanks to a double from striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Premier Sports Cup success was Postecoglou's first piece of silverware as Celtic boss and Nicholas now hopes he can kick on in the Parkhead hotseat.

Nicholas also backed Postecoglou for his attacking style of football as he responded to critics of the Aussie manager.

Writing in the Daily Express, he said: "I was also pleased for Postecoglou to get that first trophy.

"Some critics claim he only has a Plan A, but that's not true. He just doesn't like using his Plan B.

"It was an awful first half for a cup final but in the end the Hoops showed their team spirit to come through.

"Kyogo was excellent. Hibs keeper Matt Macey shouldn't have been beaten for the first goal but the Japanese striker's second strike was a touch of genius.

"I know Hibs had a big penalty shout at Hampden and were aggrieved about other things but in truth they didn't do well enough to win the trophy."

He continued: "Postecoglou is moving the team forward and winning that first trophy was a big achievement, but he will need to keep improving this squad, particularly at the back. If they don't then they will be left behind.

"Celtic hadn't lifted silverware for 12 months but they are back in the winning groove.

"But the big test will be the Old Firm league derby on January 2 and getting a result against Rangers."