Jozo Simunovic has revealed that Hoops fans have still to see the best of him – after admitting that he feared at one point that he had cost his side at Hampden yesterday afternoon as Celtic booked their place in the Betfred League Cup final.

Referee Craig Thomson’s whistle was initially interpreted as a Rangers penalty after Simunovic had won the ball from Barrie McKay who tumbled under the challenge in the early stages of yesterday’s game.

The Rangers winger went into the book for simulation, a decision that Simunovic breathed a hefty sigh of relief at.

“When I first heard the whistle go I thought the referee had given a penalty against us and I was frustrated,” said Simunovic. “But then I saw that his decision was right.

“I do think it was the right decision because when I went in for the challenge, I know that I felt the ball. After the tackle he went over the ball but I know that I won the ball. It was a good tackle.

“In that minute when I heard the whistle I just thought, ‘oh no.’ But then when I saw what was happening I felt that it was right. It is a game with a place in a final and you know it can be tense. So I was happy that there was no penalty. It was the right decision."

Simunovic was restored to Celtic’s starting line-up for yesterday’s win at Hampden after replacing Kolo Toure and having missed the 5-1 game last month at Celtic Park, he was delighted to savour his first winning game against Rangers.

The win opens to door to a final on 27th November and the opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to win his first trophy as Celtic manager.

And the Croatian was satisfied that Celtic were well worth their win.

“It was a good feeling,” he smiled. “It was nice to be a part of it. I have had a long time not playing and being injured but now I am playing with no pain. I feel fit. I am not worried about anything.

“I am enjoying playing football again and it feels good to be part of the team. I was out for a long time and you do not feel a part of it if you are not playing.

“Every player enjoyed the game against Rangers. It was my first taste of the derby and it was special but this is how I play in every game. I want to give 100% every game now for Celtic.”

Rodgers has been quietly appreciative of Simunovic and the qualities he brings to the Hoops defence. Toure’s experience was always expected to be give priority in the European nights but that may not be a given after his mistakes against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League last week.

Simunovic could have been playing his football in Italy with Torino this season but for a last minute transfer collapse on the final day of the window. Nevertheless he remains committed to cementing a place at Celtic and he has insisted that he has formed a close working relationship with Rodgers.

The Croatian defender missed eight months after a knee ligament injury sustained at the end of January last season but he has been gradually introduced back into the Celtic defence over the last month or so.

And having got a taste of it, he is keen to stay there.

“He has given me a lot of help,” he said. “I know what I have to do. But I don’t think that anyone at Celtic has seen the best of me yet.

“I am getting there. I am playing some games but my time is coming.

“I still need a few more games and need to continue with my development. I am delighted that I am playing and feeling normal now.

“But I just need games. Every day I am getting a little bit better and that is the way I am thinking. After every game I am thinking that I can still give more.

“For me that is the way that I have to play. I am still learning but I want to be the best I can be. I need to play games and to push myself but there is still much more to see from me.

“I have enjoyed working with the manager. The team is good, the feeling is good and every player wants to be a part of it.

“I am learning all the time and enjoying playing with no pain now. I just want to play as many games as I can this season and help the team to be as successful as we can.”