Celtic v St Mirren: MacDermid to ref Hampden semi
Opinion piece claims reporter Keith Jackson is promoting Peter Lawwell’s line, criticises Celtic’s board, transfer policy and European standards, and highlights fan discontent and poor results.
Ex-Celtic coach O’Dea calls Ben Gannon-Doak a ‘generational talent’, saying he felt held back at Celtic despite debuting at 16 before moves to Liverpool and now Bournemouth.
Ex-Celtic winger Calvin Miller targets Scotland selection after 8 goals and 11 assists for Falkirk in a surprise top-six finish, saying he aims to showcase his talent in the final five games.
Yáser Asprilla rejected Celtic for a lucrative Galatasaray loan but has struggled, playing 335 minutes with no goals or assists and now injured. A return to Girona looks likely, reopening a potential chance.
Scott Brown urges unity, backs injured Callum McGregor to play through pain, and wants Martin O’Neill to stay as Celtic chase a Premiership and Scottish Cup double despite a tumultuous season.
Gordon Strachan doubts Rangers’ title bid under Danny Rohl, tips Hearts, but says the break could help Celtic reset as they chase the Premiership with five games left.
Matthew MacDermid will referee Celtic vs St Mirren at Hampden, with Kevin Clancy on VAR. He previously sent off Auston Trusty in the 2-1 loss to Hibs and missed a late Celtic penalty appeal.
From 1911 to 2018, highlights include Scottish Cup wins in 1931 and 1933, the 1970 Leeds semi-final at Hampden, and a 4-0 win over Rangers in 2018’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
Peter Grant fears VAR could sway the title after Hearts beat Motherwell with an 88th-minute penalty for Stephen Welsh’s high boot. Players cited the dangerous play IFAB rule on heading low.
Celtic are linked with Dinamo Zagreb centre-back Scott McKenna, valued at around £10m, though Coventry, Ipswich and Millwall are tipped to try to hijack any move.
Hull pundit says a Hull return risks another relegation on Robertson’s CV and backs Celtic as his likelier move, despite links to Tottenham and others.
Frank McAvennie criticises the board over Dermot Desmond’s Rodgers statement, laments dull displays, questions recruitment, but says O’Neill could be a saint if Celtic land the league and cup.
Hibs boss David Gray says he is not surprised by interest in Miguel Chaiwa amid reported Celtic talks. He hails the midfielder’s energy and improvement as Celtic consider reshaping their midfield.
Frank McAvennie suggests Callum McGregor could join Brendan Rodgers in Saudi and urges Celtic to cash in on Benjamin Nygren, with exits for Maeda and Hatate possible amid a summer rebuild.
On-loan Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki is impressing at Hannover 96, attracting Bundesliga interest. Hannover may only buy if promoted, while he recovers from a muscle tear.
Linked with replacing Martin O’Neill, Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane says his focus is the title race after a 2-1 win over Puskás Akadémia, despite being open to a ‘higher level’ move.
Sevilla are eyeing Luis Palma, now on loan at Lech Poznan. A Poznan buy option could see Celtic miss out if they sign him then sell. Palma had 10 goals and 10 assists in his Celtic spell.
Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is among candidates for Bournemouth, with Andoni Iraola to depart. Ange prefers summer starts and has ruled out a Celtic return after leaving Nottingham Forest.
