Neil Lennon saluted “world class” Fraser Forster after seeing his “unbelievable” squad chalk up a perfect 10 straight trophy wins with their Betfred Cup triumph.

Rangers were out to end the Hoops’ reign of domestic dominance but Steven Gerrard’s team had their hearts broken by Forster at Hampden.

The Englishman made a string of crucial saves as Lennon’s team found themselves trudging through puddles during a rain-lashed first half.

“It is hugely difficult to make the decision to leave him on the bench with the quality of player that he is,” said Lennon. “But you don’t want to start him with him not feeling right.

“When Odsonne came on you saw the whole team perk up, the spark. His first action is to win the free-kick for the goal. At times he sprinkled that little bit of stardust that we had been missing for the first hour.

“This win is massive. Absolutely massive. It’s a huge psychological lift. It’s a massive shot in the arm for them in the circumstances.”