Grant Scott: We're ready for the semi-final challenge

Grant Scott: We're ready for the semi-final challenge

It’s semi-final weekend in the Women’s Scottish Cup and, just a few days on from their hard-earned point against Glasgow City in the SWPL, Celtic FC Women are up against the same opposition at Hampden on Saturday (KO: 12.30pm), this time with a place in the Scottish Cup fFinal at stake.

Wednesday night’s match saw the Hoops contend with a numerical disadvantage for just over half of the game after Chloe Craig’s red card in the first half, but, through sheer determination, Grant Scott’s side were able to hold out and see the match through at 1-1.

Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup semi against Glasgow City, the manager reflected on the resilience his side showed in the midweek fixture, as he highlighted the benefit of having experienced players and staff who have dealt with the pressures of semi-finals and finals before.

“We’re feeling really positive ahead of the semi-final.” Scott said. “The group’s in a good spot off the back of a strong character performance on Wednesday night. We have nothing to fear.

“We’ve done as much preparation as we can now and we’ll see what happens on matchday.

‘Knowing what you’re going in to gives you the capability to manage any nerves or irrational thoughts that might creep in.’

“But it’s very much about who holds their nerve and who shows their quality in the right moments.

“You have to have the resilience when the momentum swings. We have to put everything in to it.”

With only three league matches remaining in the SWPL calendar, the Scottish Cup represents the Ghirls’ last chance at picking up silverware this season.

That opportunity is not lost on Grant Scott, who says that he wants his side to aim to win every piece of silverware every season.

He added: “It has to be our ambition every season to compete for every trophy and I expect nothing less from the group going forward.

“We can’t guarantee it every season, but I think with the quality in the group, when we show the right performance level, it’s what we should be aspiring to.