Callum McGregor has called on Celtic to step up their performance at Hampden Park as they aim to put recent cup
disappointments behind them and secure a place in the Scottish Cup final.
The Hoops head into Sunday’s semi-final clash with St Mirren carrying the memory of recent setbacks at the national stadium — results that have left them with a point to prove on one of Scottish football’s biggest stages.
Celtic’s last two finals at Hampden have both ended in frustration. Aberdeen shattered their treble dream last season with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side. Earlier in this campaign, they returned for the League Cup final but were beaten 3-1 by a St Mirren side led by Wilfried Nancy.
Now, the upcoming semi-final offers a clear opportunity for redemption.
Despite dealing with an injury, McGregor is expected to captain the side once again, determined to lead by example and ensure there is no repeat of past mistakes.
Speaking ahead of the match, the midfielder reflected on how painful defeats tend to stay with players, especially when trophies are within reach. He admitted the League Cup loss is still fresh in the squad’s mind, using it as motivation to deliver a stronger performance this time around.
McGregor stressed that in matches of this magnitude, the key is to leave the pitch without regrets — knowing everything possible was done to secure the result. He also made it clear that Celtic must significantly improve on their previous display against St Mirren if they want to progress.
While he pointed to the squad’s experience in big matches as a positive, he underlined that reputation alone won’t win games — execution on the day will be decisive. Matching St Mirren’s energy and intensity will be essential.
Beyond simply reaching another final, this fixture represents a crucial moment in Celtic’s season. It is a chance to reset the narrative, rebuild confidence, and carry momentum into the final stretch of the campaign.
However, there are still concerns surrounding their form in front of goal.
Celtic have managed just three goals in their last three matches — a return that raises questions about their attacking sharpness. Grinding out results may keep them afloat temporarily, but inconsistent performances are unlikely to hold up in the long run.
At Hampden, the stakes could not be clearer. For Celtic, this is more than just a semi-final — it is a test of character, a shot at redemption, and a chance to prove they still have what it takes to compete for major honours.
