O'Neill on Celtic's Scottish Cup Final Prospects
Martin O'Neill (left) overseeing training with assistant Shaun Maloney
As Celtic prepare to contest a place in the Scottish Cup final this weekend, interim manager Martin O'Neill has expressed cautious expectations regarding the team's chances of securing the trophy. The 74-year-old, who previously won the cup three times during his initial tenure at the club, stated he has not allowed himself to envision a perfect send-off.
"I don't think we are good enough to dream that far,"
he said when questioned about the possibility of concluding his interim spell with a cup victory.
"It's a great competition with a lot of history and I'd like to be a part of that,"
Celtic are set to face St Mirren at Hampden Park on Sunday. This fixture follows Celtic's defeat to the same Paisley-based team in the League Cup final held in December.
O'Neill took charge less than a week after replacing Brendan Rodgers and managed the team during an extra-time semi-final win over Rangers. However, he stepped aside for Wilfried Nancy three matches before the unexpected loss at the national stadium.
The season at Celtic Park has been turbulent, yet the possibility of achieving a league and cup double remains alive.
Last weekend, Celtic secured their third 1-0 league victory against St Mirren this season. O'Neill, who resumed managerial duties after Nancy's brief period in charge, hopes the players are motivated by a desire for retribution.
"It's gone now, they've lost a cup final,"
"So there's this chance now to try and do something about it.
"It would be lovely if we could do it, but St Mirren will take great confidence from the fact that they won the last time at Hampden, and did very well last week."
St Mirren's Confidence After Previous Victory
St Mirren have demonstrated their capability to defeat Celtic, as noted by former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.
League Context and Upcoming Fixtures
The Scottish Cup semi-final precedes the Premiership split, with Celtic currently positioned third in the league table. They trail leaders Hearts by three points and Rangers by two points.
With five matches remaining, Celtic aim to close the gap on the top teams.
"If we could win the game, it definitely would have a positive effect,"
"No question about that.
"Quite the opposite I suppose really, it (defeat) could have a poor effect on us.
"But we're going all out to try and win the game."
Team Selection and Injuries
With Liam Scales suspended, O'Neill must decide between Dane Murray or Benjamin Arthur to partner Auston Trusty in central defence.
Anthony Ralston is expected to continue at right-back. Colby Donovan remains unavailable, and Alistair Johnston is not yet ready to return following recovery from a long-term hamstring injury.
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