Martin O'Neill, the 74‑year‑old interim boss at Celtic, admitted he cannot picture a fairy‑tale ending as the Scottish Cup final looms. Asked whether he could cap his short spell with a trophy, he replied, “I don’t think we are good enough to dream that far.” Celtic face St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday, a side that denied them the League Cup in December.

O'Neill arrived less than a week after Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal, guiding the team to an extra‑time semi‑final win over Rangers before stepping aside for Wilfried Nancy. He returned when Nancy’s three‑game reign ended in a surprising defeat at the national stadium. Despite the turmoil, Celtic secured a third 1‑0 league victory over St Mirren this season, keeping a league‑and‑cup double alive.

The manager stressed that the cup final offers a chance to avenge the recent loss, but warned St Mirren will draw confidence from their previous Hampden triumph. “It’s gone now, they’ve lost a cup final,” O'Neill said, urging his players to seize the moment. A victory would deliver the elusive trophy and restore some pride to a season that has teetered on the edge.