BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
FORMER Dundee United star Barry Douglas has made history by helping Konyaspor win the Turkish Cup for the first time.
The 27-year-old played the full-match on Wednesday as the showpiece against Medipol Basaksehir went the distance, with Douglas’ side prevailing 4-1 on penalties following a fraught 0-0 draw.
As well as being Konyaspor’s maiden triumph in the competition, it is the first time a side out-with Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas have lifted the trophy since 2008.
It caps a fine debut season in Turkey for Douglas, who has added to the Polish league and Super Cup wins he achieved during a successful three-year stint with Lech Poznan.
He took to Instagram, writing: “Konyaspor champions, this is what makes all the sacrifices worthwhile. Delighted to make more history with this club.”
Nejc Skubic’s winning penalty sparked a mass pitch invasion at the Eskisehir Arena, while the victorious players were welcomed back to Konya in the early hours of Thursday morning by a swathe of delirious supporters with flares and fireworks.
Douglas added: “To all the fans, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. The atmosphere and support you gave us was different class.”
Douglas, who made more than 150 appearances in Scottish football with Queen’s Park and Dundee United before embarking on his adventures abroad, has recently been linked with Crystal Palace, Hull and Galatasaray.
However, should he remain at the Konya Buyuksehir Stadium, he is now guaranteed a place in the Europa League next term.
