St Johnstone Seeks Upset Against Celtic in Scottish Cup Semi-Final

St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari believes his team's recent league victory over Celtic should boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final, rather than intimidate them with fears of a Celtic backlash. Valakari argues that the win has given his players tangible belief and a clear understanding of what is required to succeed against top opposition, stressing the importance of capitalizing on key moments, strong defense, and a bit of luck. He also praised Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for his 'no excuses' attitude following defeat, noting that such a mentality fosters continued success and is something he wishes to instill within his own squad. Despite Celtic's formidable record at Hampden under Rodgers, Valakari remains optimistic that another upset is possible if his players maintain the right mindset and self-reflection. Both coaches recognize the high stakes, with Celtic aiming for a domestic clean sweep and St Johnstone seeking to repeat their recent success. The match is set to test both teams' resilience and tactical preparation.