St Mirren

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara insists he has unfinished business in cup competition as he chases a dream double this season.

O'Hara was cruelly sidelined by injury for Saints' League Cup win over Celtic at Hampden in December, forced to take a place on the bench without featuring.

Now the midfielder is eager to help stun Celtic in Sunday's last-four showdown to ensure he can play his part on the pitch in the Scottish Cup final.

"It was kind of bittersweet," he said, reflecting on their League Cup success.

"Obviously, what an achievement for the club, and to be a part of that was amazing. Part of me, selfishly, felt it would have been nice to be playing.

"It does feel a bit like unfinished business and it would be good to win a cup with full involvement and playing in a final. I've got a bit of unfinished business, I feel, on that front.

"The league is obviously a big focus just now and we're down where we don't want to be. But we've got a real chance to make a successful season and to do a cup double, which I think would be the stuff of dreams and the stuff of legends."

St Mirren have run Celtic close this season in their league meetings, losing narrowly at Parkhead last weekend by a single goal.

"It's always been close over the last few years," O'Hara said.

"We need to be confident. We've beaten them at Hampden already this season and our performance last week, especially the second half, has proved we can match them.

"We're confident we've got enough in the building to go and cause an upset.

"It doesn't come around often. So to have the opportunity again is special and it's something we don't want to let go.

"I went so long in my career without being at Hampden and to be there on two different occasions in one season is definitely special. We won't be taking it for granted, that's for sure."

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Will a Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic earn Craig McLeish the permanent St Mirren job?

The interim boss, who is in charge until the end of the season, has overseen back-to-back wins over Falkirk and Aberdeen either side of 1-0 defeats by Rangers and Celtic since stepping up from his academy role to replace Stephen Robinson last month.

McLeish, 36, has said he would be open to taking the job on a permanent basis. And Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday thinks if the Buddies beat Celtic at Hampden on Sunday he will be a shoo-in.

"I think if he wins this game on Sunday there will be a contract for him on Monday morning," Halliday told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I've been really impressed with him. He came into a team that were really struggling and I was really worried for them.

"But now they've had back-to-back victories, two very good ones against Falkirk and Aberdeen where I thought they were extremely comfortable.

"Without being disrespectful towards the previous coaching staff, they're playing in a manner they've not played for a long period of time.

"You hear managers talk so often about needing a transfer window, needing a few weeks, but McLeish has turned things round in a matter of days. It's been really, really impressive how quickly he's managed to do so.

"It's obviously going to be a much bigger task [against Celtic] but I think they're going into this game with a lot of confidence."

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St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George could miss Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Celtic.

George had to be replaced after half an hour at Celtic Park last weekend, when he was caught by striker Tomas Cvancara, and was replaced by substitute Ryan Mullen for the remainder of the 1-0 defeat to Martin O'Neill's side.

The 28-year-old had been training today in preparation for a repeat of December's League Cup final when they meet Celtic at Hampden but has picked up an issue during the session.

"We need to assess it," interim manager Craig McLeish said of the extent of George's injury.

"He's only just went over his ankle so we're hoping that he's going to be okay. Ryan [Mullen] came in at the weekend and did great in place of Shamal throughout the game.

"If Ryan steps in [on Sunday] then we're more than comfortable and confident with what Ryan can do as well. We need to wait on Shamal's update and whoever's in goal for us, we're confident."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish has been speaking with the media ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on Sunday at Hampden Park.

Here are the key points:

• Goalkeeper Shamal George is a concern after injuring his ankle in training today having recovered from a knock he sustained in the 1-0 Scottish Premiership defeat at Celtic Park last weekend.

• McLeish is "hoping that he's going to be OK" but also acknowledged the work of Ryan Mullen who "did great" when he replaced George last weekend.

• And the interim boss insists "we're more than comfortable and confident with what Ryan can do".

• McLeish says "a lot of our message has been that we've been here this season, we've done it, we've shown that we can do it, even if you aren't favourites for a game and we know that's not what we are this weekend, we've done it and we're more than capable of doing it again."

• McLeish watched the League Cup final win over Celtic back in December from the stands as a coach and thought his chances of leading a team out at Hampden Park "were over" this season when his Under-19 side lost in the Youth Cup.

• The caretaker boss says he is "proud and privileged" to be able to lead the team out at Hampden this weekend, and admits "I think it's probably the proudest moment I'll have in my career, the biggest moment of my career."

• And while "this whole bit is great for me personally" McLeish stresses "it's not about me, it's about the group."

• McLeish concedes that winning this semi-final would do his chances of a permanent appointment no harm but was keen to emphasise that he is focused on the day to day.

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We asked for your views on who has been St Mirren's player of the season.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Once again it is that time of year, and once again my vote goes to Alex Gogic. What an athlete, competitor and leader. He gives 100 per cent and more in every game and plays his heart out for the Buddies. No contest.

Ewan: For me, the player of the year simply has to be Gogic. Week in, week out, he delivers consistently strong performances that you can always rely on. What sets him apart this season is his incredible versatility - when injuries have hit the midfield. He's stepped up without hesitation, filling that gap and doing a job there before slotting seamlessly back into the heart of the defence to command the back line. That kind of adaptability, combined with his never-ending commitment to the cause, makes him the standout choice

George: Gogic has to be player of the year. He has been consistent with grit, graft and guile. Under Stephen Robinson, he stopped the unnecessary aggressive fouls and has shown maturity and intelligence in the use of the ball. Also grabbed a few goals from corners by nipping in at the back post. He is the example all young defenders should follow - uncompromising, selfless and would run through brick walls for the team. His spatial awareness buffers the lack of pace and he is first name on the sheet every week.

Gus: Killian Phillips never stops running, challenging and creating. Closely followed by Jacob Devaney who'd be my choice if he'd been here all season.

David: The standout player for me this season has been Gogic. Absolutely love him. He is the beating heart of St Mirren and epitomises everything about this team and our club. He's a far better footballer than he is ever given credit for. Been a massive reason why we have had four years of continued success. Every team needs a Gogic.

Chris: Gogic for me is St Mirren player of the season. Whether in defence, or in midfield, where he's had to fill in this season because of the horrendous injury list, he always puts in a shift. Leads by example and is fast becoming Mr St Mirren.

Falkirk are eyeing a move for Scott Tanser from fellow Scottish Cup semi-finalists St Mirren, making the 31-year-old one of their top summer targets. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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St Mirren fan Andrew Christie, of the Misery Hunters podcast, tells Ray Bradshaw and Mark Nelson he hopes Stephen Robinson - the "best manager in our history" - suffers relegation with Aberdeen this season.

Watch This Is Fans Only live on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel, external every Monday at 18:00 BST.

It's been a tumultuous but historic season for St Mirren - and could get even better.

The League Cup is already in the trophy cabinet and there's the chance to get to another final when they face Celtic in the Scottish Cup semis this weekend.

On the flip side, the Buddies are very much in danger of finishing in the relegation play-off spot and lost manager Stephen Robinson to Premiership rivals Aberdeen a few weeks ago.

Despite all that, there have been some impressive individual performances, but who has been the standout?

We want to know who's been your St Mirren player of the year. Tell us here

Former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam has revealed he was interested in the St Mirren manager's job when Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen. (The Herald), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Billy Hogg
Fan writer

Saturday marked the third league meeting between Celtic and St Mirren this season. It marked the third time St Mirren made things difficult for Celtic and put in a performance that some, myself included, might call "spirited" or "courageous".

But crucially, it also marked the third time Saints came away with nothing to show for these efforts, with Celtic scraping yet another unconvincing 1-0 win.

At times, this was a genuinely impressive showing from the visitors. We looked comfortable in possession and elevated stress levels among an already angsty home support.

But the league sadly doesn't award any points for having the most touches in the opposition box or most corners.

Next weekend the basement battle will resume as Saints, Kilmarnock, Dundee and Aberdeen compete in a fatal four-way to try to avoid a relegation play-off against (probably?) Partick Thistle.

Before that though, the Saints have the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic as we chase down an historic, improbable double. This league season has been a real slog for the Buddies, but the cups have been a different story.

Four months ago these players etched themselves into club folklore with a fantastic, fearless performance against this very same Celtic team in the League Cup final.

Both teams now have different managers but one thing that remains constant is the belief of the fanbase that Saints can turn over Martin O'Neill's men.

Across the four meetings, St Mirren have rarely been outclassed or outmatched at any point. If the team can repeat the positives of Saturday's performance, and add just a little bit of cutting edge, a first Scottish Cup final since 1987 could be on the cards.

And when you consider the reward would be a highly winnable final against either Falkirk or Dunfermline, that potential double becomes more real than ever.

For the players and coaching staff, the job is to remain calm and take each game as it comes. As St Mirren fans, we know deep down this is the right course of action, but when your team is 180 minutes away from a totally unthinkable thing, how can you not get carried away?

So, on Sunday, Saints make the eight-mile journey to Hampden once again, looking to make it three wins from three at the national stadium this season. Hopefully on 23 May, they'll be looking to make it four from four.

Billy Hogg can be found at Misery Hunters, external

Watch all the highlights of Celtic's 1-0 win against St Mirren.

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St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish admitted the atmosphere played a part and is looking forward to facing Celtic again next Sunday in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-finals with a far bigger Buddies support at Hampden.

"There are bits we need to keep working on for next week, and being brave from the very start," he said.

"I can't ask for any more from the boys as to how they went about it in the second half, but we just have to find that final ball in the final third.

"We will have to make changes to some of our approach and I would imagine Celtic will be the same. It's a one-off game, and the biggest bit for us is that we will have our fans in supporting us, and driving us on.

"Coming here, it's so noisy and lively that you have to try and stem that flow, slow it down, and frustrate them. We have to be brave from the very start of the game."

McLeish, whose side remain in the thick of the battle to avoid a relegation play-off place, added: "We can't be scared of it, we can't have any fear.

"We can't come to places like here and have any fear, we can't go to Hampden with any fear, and we can't play against any of the bottom six teams with any fear.

"If we play with fear and with doubt, then we're in trouble, that's the biggest part I'm trying to get across to the group.

"I've seen us free ourselves up at times and play with real bravery, and we have to keep trying to do that."

We asked for your views on St Mirren's 1-0 defeat against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: A solid performance from Saints again. Unfortunately, we didn't get a reward for our effort. That's twice now that we've been on the attack in the final minute and the referee has blown for time up with only a fraction of a minute left to play. As the manager stated, it's frustrating not getting at least a point from a good performance.

Ali: There's so many positives to take from this game and with more clinical finishers we would have had at least a point on the board. We should be confident going into the split and the odds are in our favour with three out of the five games at home.

John: Close, but no cigar. After two straight league wins, and improving performances across both, you go to Celtic Park with a little more than just hope. However, we didn't start well and were perhaps a tad fortunate to be only one down at the half.

Second half was way better in terms of passing, movement and generally being on the front foot. We just lacked a striker with an eye for goal, but that's a problem that's haunted us all season.

The Hampden game next week is a free hit and we take what comes. The priority remains getting through that game injury-free, no further blatant kicks in the head for our goal keeper please, and get on with the more important job of securing enough points in five post-split games to avoid the play-off.

All in all, Craig McLeish has brought a positivity to our performances since replacing the previous manager.

Celtic remain three points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's early goal against St Mirren - but are left to rue what might have been.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish: "We have to take as many positives as we can.

"Ultimately it's a defeat and we're at the stage of the season where we have to put points on the board any way we can.

"I find it really difficult to be happy after a defeat, I'm not I'm frustrated but I'm so proud of the players, how they tried to play and the bravery they showed.

"We spoke about trying to survive the first 15 minutes and we probably had our best spell before we conceded the goal.

"In the second half we were really brave but ultimately we need to find a little spark in the final third. I need to help the players get into positions where we can unlock the opposition and create more from open play."

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Mexico international Julian Araujo is likely to miss the rest of the season after returning to parent club Bournemouth through injury and Colby Donovan is likely to be out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Fellow right-back Alistair Johnston has returned to training but is not ready to play until at least next weekend.

Jota, Callum Osmand, Kasper Schmeichel and Cameron Carter-Vickers remain out.

St Mirren have a fitness doubt over forward Dan Nlundulu.

Malik Dijksteel, Keanu Baccus and Marcus Fraser are out for the season.

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Clear communication and "leaning on senior players" has helped Craig McLeish to two consecutive victories as St Mirren interim manager, the 36-year-old has suggested.

McLeish was coaching in the youth ranks until earlier this year, but the departure of Stephen Robinson to Aberdeen has accelerated his development.

"The key to it is being really clear in what I'm looking for, being clear in your communication with them as well," he said.

"No matter what level you're at, even working with some of the younger players that I've done throughout the academy, if you're not prepared and you don't have answers to their questions or solutions, they find you out very, very quickly.

"I have to make sure I involve them in part of the process as well. I've tried to do that. I've leaned on the senior players, we've asked them bits and pieces about the structure of the week.

"Not so much about how we're playing, but the structure of the week and just some different things around the training ground and to do with match days.

"That helps everyone buy in and feel like it's a group effort, it's not me just dictating absolutely everything to them.

"Obviously on the football side of it, yes it's our game plan, it's my ideas and they have to carry them out, but if you bring them close to you as well then you probably get more buy-in and I think that's been key to it.

"I wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for the support of the senior players. They've been great with me."

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• With 15 goals and five assists, Benjamin Nygren is the first player to reach 20 goal involvements in his debut Scottish Premiership season with Celtic since Jota in 2021-22 (10 goals, 10 assists), while the last to record more in their first such campaign were both Moussa Dembele (22) and Scott Sinclair (28) in 2016-17.

• Celtic have both had the most shots (543) and faced the fewest (298) of any side in the Scottish Premiership this season, while also leading the way for highest xG (70.8) and lowest xGA (31.7).

• St. Mirren have won both of their last two league games, last winning three in a row in the Scottish Premiership in December 2024.

• St. Mirren have lost 11 of their last 13 league meetings with Celtic (D2) since a 2-0 win in September 2022.

• Celtic have only lost one of their last 39 home games against St. Mirren in all competitions (W34 D4), a 1-2 league reverse in January 2021.

Watch Sportscene duo Steven Thompson and Michael Stewart discuss interim manager Craig McLeish's impact at St Mirren.

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