By the time the Scottish Cup final arrived in 1989, Celtic were having a disastrous season. They had failed to beat Rangers in any of the Old Firm clashes and as the season was drawing to a close, the boys in blue were sitting comfortably at the top of the league. The Scottish Cup final gave Rangers the opportunity to win the treble and ensure their dominance of Scottish football.

Over 72,000 supporters attended Hampden Park for the final on May 20 to see the two Scottish giants battle it out. Celtic were desperate for some silverware, while Rangers were on their way to securing another domestic trophy after taking the League Cup at the same venue, thanks to a 3-2 victory over Aberdeen.

This Rangers squad would soon be legendary. The 88/89 season marked the first of their historic nine in a row league victories, featuring such great footballing talents as Davie Cooper, Ally McCoist and player-manager Graeme Souness.

The “Souness Revolution” began when the manager recognised the draw Rangers could have for top talent south of the border, following the ban on English clubs from entering European competition.

After rejuvenating his squad with Ipswich captain Terry Butcher and England international Chris Woods, it wasn’t long before Rangers were collecting silverware and making more signings from the English leagues.

At the east end of the city, former Celtic great Billy McNeill had become manager, winning the League Championship and the Scottish Cup in his first season - and the club’s centenary year. The 1988 squad also featured some legends of its own including Paul McStay, Roy Aitken and Tommy Burns.

The two sides were matched in ability as the game flowed back and forth from one box to the other, both teams battling for that all-important goal. However, it was Celtic who managed to strike first shortly before half-time.

After Roy Aitken’s quick throw-in, Peter Grant launched the ball forward for Joe Miller. Rangers were quick to block but on second attempt - thanks to a blunder by Rangers defender Gary Stevens - Miller was clear through on goal and had no hesitation as he lashed the ball past Chris Woods.

Stevens afterwards attempted to make up for his defensive mistake by playing a long ball up the field, which eventually broke for fellow countryman Mark Walters. The English winger shot from just inside the box, but defender Derek Whyte cleared the ball off the line.

The match finished 1-0, Celtic captain Roy Aitken ascending the steps to triumphantly lift the trophy. However, the Scottish Cup of 1989 was to be Celtic’s last trophy for six years, as Rangers started their spectacular run of successive league titles, taking most of the domestic silverware with it.