Martin O’Neill’s men booked their spot in the Scottish Cup final with a 6-2 win over St Mirren
17:00, 19 Apr 2026Updated 02:05, 20 Apr 2026
Celtic 6 St Mirren 2 – Best of the Scottish Cup action
A sensational extra-time rout of St Mirren saw Celtic book their spot in the Scottish Cup final.
Martin O’Neill will lead the Glasgow giants back to Hampden next month to face off against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic in the showpiece final.
Master vs apprentice stuff.
But the Hoops didn’t have it all their own way, as the Premier Sports Cup winners – who saw off Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic last time these two face off at the national stadium – fought back from 2-0 down and took the game to extra-time.
However, in the end was a convincing win as Celtic netted four in the first-half of extra-time for a 6-2 win. But how did the players rate? Record Sport takes a look.
Celtic
Viljami Sinisalo 6
The keeper made a brilliant save to deny Liam Donnelly. Looked shaky with back passes and got out of jail on occasion. Could do little with either goal.
Anthony Ralston 7
Was steady and solid. Scored a great goal at the end of the first period. The left-hand flank was then exposed. Steadied things late on.
Auston Trusty 7
The big defender was another who started well. The US international stood up well to the muscle of Mandron and Ayunga. Celtic’s best defender.
Benjamin Arthur 6
The on-loan Brentford defender started strongly. He looked dominating but started to struggle when St Mirren put them under pressure. Replaced before extra-time.
Kieran Tierney 7
The left-back was his usual self up the left. Got forward whenever he could and kept the back door closed. Team dropped when he went off.
Arne Engels 6
The Belgian came back in for his first start since February. It was a welcome sight for Celtic. He cracked a shot off the post. Booked.
Callum McGregor 7
The captain has come in for some criticism of late, but his experience was vital on this stage to keep Celtic ticking over. Always available.
Benjamin Nygren 7
The Swede is often criticised for being nothing more than a goalscorer. He showed more than that in this game. He was a big threat and got his goal.
Yang 6
Was a persistent threat down the right for Celtic. Caused St Mirren’s backline a lot of problems. Produced a great assist for the Ralston goal.
Daizen Maeda 8
Played through the middle. It worked a treat as he scored the opener. His pace was a concern and never gave St Mirren any respite.
Sebastien Tounekti 6
The winger can be hot or cold. This was one of his warmer performances. Created a few opportunities for his team. Celtic need it more consistently.
Subs
James Forrest (Tounekti 61) Put in the cross for Iheanacho’s goal 2.
Luke McCowan (Engels 74) Netted the killer fourth 3.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (McGregor 74) Quiet performance 1.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Yang 83) Turned the knife with two goals 5.
Marcel Saracchi (Tierney 83) Did a job 2
Dane Murray (Arthur 91) Saw the game out 2.
St Mirren
Ryan Mullen 1
The keeper had a nightmare 15 minutes. His poor kick-out handed Daizen Maeda the opener and he ended up limping off with a thigh issue.
Mark O’Hara 6
The captain played as a wing-back. He gave his all. Always looked to take the ball and drive forward.
Alex Gogic 6
Was his usual no-nonsense self at the heart of the St Mirren defence. Gave everything but he and his team ran out of legs. Hard afternoon.
Miguel Freckleton 6
His pace was massive in terms of allowing St Mirren to play higher up the park. Hard to believe his team lost so many goals in the end.
Liam Donnelly 6
Normally a midfielder but needs must for the injury-hit Buddies. He didn’t let his team down. Moved forward when his team went for a leveller.
Declan John 7
Excellent all day. The left-back produced the run and cross for Mandron’s goal. Pushed forward and was a real weapon for St Mirren.
Allan Campbell 6
Has been given something of a revival under Craig McLeish. Certainly put in a shift and did a lot of running to close Celtic down. Booked.
Jacob Devaney 6
The on-loan Manchester United player was keen to show up well on this stage. Fought and scraped for his team. Didn’t offer much the other way.
Killian Phillips 6
Battled hard and offered a physicality for the Buddies. Had ball in the net but was ruled out for handball.
Mikael Mandron 7
Curtailed in the last final through illness. Was keen to play in this one. Made up for it with a deadly double. Exceptional display.
Jonah Ayunga 6
The big striker put a shift in and kept the Celtic defence occupied. Didn’t really get the chance to play to his strengths. Subbed late on.
Subs:
Grant Tamosevicius (Mullen 15) Young lad was left in firing line 3.
Roland Idowu (Phillips 74) Offered trickery 1.
Jake Young (Ayunga 74) Great flick on for equaliser 2.
Jayden Richardson (Campbell 74) Offered pace up right 2.
Conor McMenamin (Donnelly 82) Never got involved 1.
Scott Tanser (John 106) Could do little 1.
Referee watch: Matthew McDermid. He is often criticised but handled the game well.
Man of the match: Kelechi Iheanancho. Changed the game with his two extra-time goals. The literal super sub shaded it from Mandron.