Celtic's interim boss refuses to dream of silverware glory ahead of crucial St Mirren clash.
Martin O'Neill is keeping expectations in check as Celtic prepare for their Scottish Cup semi-final showdown against St Mirren, despite the tantalizing prospect of ending his interim spell with silverware. The veteran manager, who took temporary charge of the Hoops, believes his squad still has plenty of work to do before they can start thinking about cup glory.
The semi-final represents more than just a path to the final – it's a chance for Celtic to exact revenge on St Mirren after previous disappointments. O'Neill knows that one strong performance could set up a dream farewell, but the experienced tactician is refusing to get carried away with the occasion.
"We're not at the level where we can afford to look beyond the next 90 minutes," O'Neill emphasized when pressed about potential final preparations. His pragmatic approach reflects the challenges Celtic have faced this season, with consistency remaining elusive despite flashes of brilliance.
The Scottish Cup semi-final stage has often been a proving ground for emerging talents across European football, much like how Africa's rising stars use continental competitions to showcase their abilities on the global stage. For Celtic, this match represents an opportunity to demonstrate they belong among Scotland's elite – but only if they can maintain focus and execute when it matters most.