St Mirren Target Historic Cup Double as Celtic Seek Redemption at Hampden

St Mirren stunned Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park in December to lift the League Cup. That defeat cost Wilfried Nancy his job after just 33 days as Celtic manager.

Now the sides meet again at the national stadium with everything changed. Both clubs have new managers, and St Mirren are fighting relegation whilst chasing an historic cup double that captain Mark O'Hara calls

the stuff of dreams and the stuff of legends

.

From Cup Glory to Relegation Battle: St Mirren's Dramatic Season

St Mirren's season has taken a dramatic turn since their December triumph. After three consecutive top-six finishes under Stephen Robinson, the Paisley Saints find themselves scrapping for Premiership survival.

Robinson departed for Aberdeen in March, leaving the club he had transformed over four successful years. His December masterclass against Celtic proved to be his crowning achievement in black and white.

McLeish Steps Up to Fill the Void

Craig McLeish has taken temporary charge, bringing years of academy experience to the senior dugout. The interim boss has won two of his four matches and nearly secured a point at Celtic Park last weekend.

Six players from December's cup-winning team started that league encounter, though goalkeeper Shamal George picked up an injury that makes him a doubt for Sunday. Captain O'Hara returns after missing the League Cup final, whilst Manchester United loanee Jacob Devaney has impressed since his January arrival.

Fighting on Two Fronts

The contrast with recent seasons couldn't be starker:

• 2021-22: 5th place finish
• 2022-23: 5th place finish
• 2023-24: 6th place finish
• 2024-25: Currently battling relegation

Yet McLeish remains bullish about their chances.

We're absolutely going there with the intention to win the game

, he insisted, rejecting any suggestion his side will simply look to counter-attack or hang on.

Celtic's Managerial Chaos: How December's Defeat Changed Everything

Celtic's League Cup final defeat wasn't just another loss. It was the death knell for Nancy's brief reign and exposed deep structural problems at the club.

The Frenchman managed just eight matches before his dismissal alongside head of football operations Paul Tisdale. His opening week saw three defeats from three matches, a run from which he never recovered.

O'Neill Returns to Steady the Ship

Martin O'Neill answered Celtic's call for the second time this season, taking interim charge of a squad he admits isn't good enough for him to dream of lifting trophies. The man who won this competition three times as Celtic manager between 2001 and 2005 has maintained a title challenge despite questionable performances.

Their route to this semi-final epitomised O'Neill's pragmatic approach. Celtic mustered just one shot in 120 minutes against Rangers before winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

The Stakes for O'Neill's Second Spell

O'Neill understands the importance of Sunday's match for Celtic's season.

If we could win the game, it definitely would have a positive effect. No question about that

, he said, before acknowledging that defeat

could have a poor effect on us

.

The interim boss needs momentum heading into the crucial league run-in. A second cup defeat to St Mirren in four months would pile pressure on a club already dealing with structural upheaval.

Why This Semi-Final Could Define Both Clubs' Seasons

Sunday's semi-final carries weight far beyond a place in the final against Dunfermline Athletic. For St Mirren, completing a cup double whilst fighting relegation would rank among the greatest achievements in their history.

For Celtic, redemption is essential. Another defeat to their December conquerors would cast serious doubt over O'Neill's ability to guide them through the title run-in.

Recent Form Offers Mixed Messages

Last weekend's league meeting provided intriguing context. St Mirren impressed in the second half at Celtic Park despite losing, with McLeish's side showing they can match the Hoops when brave enough to take the game to them.

That performance, combined with December's triumph, has given St Mirren genuine belief. As O'Hara noted:

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

.

Tactical Battleground

McLeish has been clear about his approach:

• No sitting back or relying solely on counter-attacks
• Going "toe-to-toe" with Celtic
• Controlling emotions whilst executing the game plan
• Being brave in possession

This positive mindset reflects the confidence December's victory instilled. St Mirren know they can hurt Celtic when they play without fear.

What Happens Next

Sunday's winner faces Championship side Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final on 24 May. For St Mirren, that represents a golden opportunity to secure an unprecedented cup double. For Celtic, it offers the chance to salvage silverware from a chaotic season.

The immediate future depends on Sunday's outcome. St Mirren could use cup success to inspire their relegation fight, whilst Celtic need victory to maintain momentum in their title challenge. Four months after their first Hampden meeting changed everything, these transformed teams meet again with their seasons hanging in the balance.