Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara praised the “exceptional” efforts of his players as they just fell short at Hampden.
There were quality individual performances across the park for the Tangerines despite the fact they lost the semi-final to Celtic.
McNamara, quite rightly, failed to be too dispirited by the defeat and instead complimented his team for their massive contribution to what was a memorable match.
Understandably, given their tender years, 16-year-old central defender John Souttar and 17-year-old playmaker Ryan Gauld got an extra helping of plaudits.
“It is difficult to take and disappointing,” said McNamara.
“However, I thought the players were exceptional every one of them. They gave everything they had. We caused Celtic a lot of problems today, throughout the team.
“I was disappointed to lose an early goal the way we did and, after going 2-1 up, to then lose the lead so quickly.
“You have to concentrate for the full duration against a side like Celtic because if you switch off for a second the wee mistakes are penalised. I thought the mental strength overall was great though.
“I said to them after the game that they have shown they can handle it on this stage. Whether they are 16 or 17 or 30, it is not beyond them to go and get on the ball and pass it. We did that today and looked a real threat.
“There are a lot of pleasing things and a lot of positives for me. They (the young players) are a bit special. That was a massive game today against experienced players, not just Celtic players but internationals.
“We had a 16-year-old (Souttar) and a 17-year-old (Gauld) in our side and they are a joy to work with.”
He felt United should have had a penalty when Gary Mackay-Steven was barged by Celtic’s Victor Wanyama and also thought Kris Commons’ second goal the Hoops’ third was dodgy.
“I was 60-odd yards away but I think Gaz got his body in the right position, which was goal side,” he added.
“Obviously, their (third) goal was a bit dubious because it hit Commons in the hand. He maybe didn’t know much about it but . there is no point crying about it though.
“There is a thin line between winning and losing and we also hit the post through Jon Daly just before they went up the park and got what turned out to be the winner.”
Given the see-saw nature of what was a brilliant spectacle, McNamara was left with little in the tank himself.
He still had enough energy to cast an eye towards the forthcoming home league match against Motherwell that will start their post-split campaign.
“I am a wee bit tired and drained after watching it but I am proud of my players,” he said.
“Now they will have a couple of days off and then they will be back in to prepare for what is a big game for us against Motherwell on Friday night.
“We have a chance to jump into fourth place in the league with a win so there is still a lot to play for.”
Celtic manager Neil Lennon now looks odds-on to clinch the double, with Hibs awaiting in the final on May 26 and the SPL title likely to be wrapped up this weekend.
“I feel relieved but I am also thrilled and proud of the players,” said Lennon.
“We have had a monumental season up to now. We are a point away from winning the title, we have had a great European campaign and now we are in a cup final.
“Mentally and physically it has been really tough for some of the players but we are there. I am delighted for the club and supporters but, more importantly, I am delighted for the players.
“All of our goals were quality goals but, to be fair, Dundee United’s were excellent as well. I am glad to get over the line at Hampden for the first time in a while.”
Match-winner Anthony Stokes paid tribute to James Forrest for setting up the dramatic extra-time goal that booked Celtic’s place in the William Hill Scottish Cup final.
The Irishman had the final say after an enthralling encounter ended all-square at 3-3 after 90 minutes.
Stokes who was thrown into the action with 13 minutes of regulation time to go grabbed the decisive goal when he connected with a lovely cross from Forrest and directed a header into the back of the net.
The striker told Press Association Sport: “I was delighted to get the goal.
“That was the plan going on, I wanted to score in a tight game like that. I was pleased to get the goal and, more importantly, the result. Any player who comes on wants to be positive.
“As a striker, I’m always thinking about getting myself in positions to score. I did it today. The ball from James was exceptional and it was just a tap-in in the end.”
The Hoops will battle Hibernian for the trophy on May 26, after the Edinburgh side fought back from three goals down to seal an unlikely 4-3 victory after extra-time against Falkirk on Saturday.
Hibs suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of city rivals Hearts in the final last year. But, having endured their own share of Hampden heartache in the last couple of years, Stokes insists Celtic will havejust as much incentive to claim the silverware.
He said: “We’ve got a point to prove ourselves so we won’t be worried about them.”
Asked what to expect from former club Hibs, he added: “It’s hard to say. You looked at them playing yesterday and it was like two different teams from the first half to the second half.
“No doubt they will be on song for the final so it’s going to be a very tough game.”
Celtic are now within touching distance of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title and Stokes would love to make it a domestic double on top of an impressive Champions League run.
He said: “We are in a great position in the league and hopefully we can wrap that up on Sunday. We’ve got a final to look forward to now that we are very confident about.”