Celtic boss Neil Lennon claims he knew all week that Anthony Stokes would impress in the William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hibernian.
But he admits even he was surprised at the starring role the Irishman played in the 3-0 win at Hampden.
Stokes set up both of Gary Hooper’s goals and was named as the sponsor’s man of the match.
Lennon said: “Hooper is the master and his partner in crime Stokes had probably his best game in a Celtic shirt.
“I had a gut feeling about Stokesy all week but I didn’t realise he was going to play as well as that so I was delighted for those two.
“We got a clean sheet. Scott Brown was huge in the midfield and read the game brilliantly and broke up the play and passed it well. It was a great all round team performance.”
On the offer of a new deal for Stokes, Lennon added: “He’s getting another contract because he’s a good player.
“There is just something about Anthony. He looks, in the last two or three weeks, more consistent, better in his overall play, stronger.
“He’s just got that something you can’t put a finger on.”
Lennon hopes his players are finally given the respect he feels they deserve this season after clinching the domestic double by winning the Scottish Cup.
A double from Hooper and a Joe Ledley strike saw the Hoops come out on top against Hibs and add another piece of silverware to their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.
Lennon’s men also impressed on the continental stage this term by reaching the last 16 of the Champions League – including a victory over Barcelona along the way.
The Celtic boss knows his side were expected to deliver the goods domestically, particularly following the plight of Old Firm rivals Rangers.
But he believes a double and a better than expected European run means no one can ask any questions of his players after bringing down the curtain on the campaign in style.
He said: “That’s the double and we had a great European campaign.
“For a team that gets nipped at a little bit, they are a great side and I hope they get the respect they deserve tonight.
“People shouldn’t be asking questions. Okay, domestically we are expected to do things but surely no one could have expected what we did in Europe this season.
“People were raising their eyebrows at the qualification stage. Then, when the group stage came out, people were raising their eyebrows at that.
“We overcame it all. They were playing the 59th game of a marathon season.”
Hibs boss Pat Fenlon was asked if he should have taken more risks in going for the win at Hampden.
He said: “It’s easy sitting in the stand or in the press box thinking about taking risks.
“We played 4-4-2, we played with a wide man. What do you want me to do – play five up?”
He added: “I can’t fault the players for their effort. We are bitterly disappointed that we lost a cup final but I can’t ask any more of the players and the supporters today.
“They were tremendous. We are disappointed but we lost to the better side and there is no shame in losing to Celtic.”