(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The Premier Sports Cup has reached the semi-final stage with Hampden playing host to two games this weekend as four clubs look to book their place in the final – with Celtic v St Johnstone kicking the weekend’s action off when they meet tomorrow at the national stadium.
Callum Davidson’s side are the holders after last season’s scarcely believable Scottish Cup and League Cup double, while Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou is aiming for his first trophy since being appointed as Celtic manager over the summer.
Will we see a repeat this season? (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Parkhead side ran out winners when the sides met recently, winning 2-0 in Glasgow, but Davidson’s side are a very different animal in the cups – as last season’s glittering success shows.
With the winner facing Hibs or Rangers in the final, we should be in for a fantastic weekend of League Cup action from the national stadium.
Unsurprisingly, Premier Sports is the only place to watch both semi-finals with the tournament’s sponsors having exclusive rights to show the competition. The kick-off is at 5.15 pm with coverage airing from 4.30 pm.
No. Unless you know where to look.
St Johnstone are without Glenn Middleton after he limped off during international duty with Scotland under-21s, Stevie May and the cup-tied Cammy McPherson for the Hampden clash while Celtic are without Giorgos Giakoumakis, Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic.
Callum Davidson
“We are the underdogs. Celtic are deservedly the favourites for this game.
“So, for me, the pressure is on them. If they win, well, that’s what should happen. It’s expected.
“The pressure is off us in that respect. Outside of our group, anyway – because we really, really want to go and win this one.
“If we have a bit of luck and work extremely hard, do the basics well, we can get the result.
“It’s about making sure the players have the belief they can win the game. I believe we can if we do things right.
“That’s the message I will get across to them.
“We proved that last season, and we can prove it again this season.”
Ange Postecoglou
“We want the players to experience big games and the consequences that come with big games.
“There’s an obvious incentive to create something special for this group of players.
“I’m looking forward to it immensely. My understanding is that we’ll pack it out as usual with our support.
“So it will be a really special atmosphere and I’m sure everyone will enjoy themselves.”
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