St Johnstone boss calls for semi-final 'heroes'

Simo Valakari applauds the St Johnstone support after beating Celtic on 6 April

Scottish Cup semi-final: St Johnstone v Celtic

Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday 20 April Time: 15:00 BST

Coverage: Listen on BBC Sounds or BBC Radio Scotland, text updates on BBC Sport website & app

Manager Simo Valkari believes "heroes can be born" at Hampden when St Johnstone take on Celtic in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final.

The Perth club sit bottom of the Premiership but take confidence from a shock 1-0 win over the runaway leaders a fortnight ago.

Valakari expects Celtic to be fired up for revenge but is sure his side can test the cup holders.

"Now they are awake, they can hurt us if we are not ready," said the Finn. "Many people have said it's not possible to do it two times in a row, but I see it the other way around.

"We had a very good performance, we got the result. We know what we need to do. We need to play better, but it gives us confidence that it is possible.

"It is a day where miracles (can happen) and heroes can be born."

Valakari twice won the Finnish Cup with Kups and led Riga to Latvian Supercup success last year.

"As a coach you are always thinking next game, next game," he said.

"But I remember the feeling when you lift that trophy. For maybe 24 hours, you don't have any worries in the world. You just have this euphoria.

"After 24 hours you go 'what we can do better for next season', but that's the moment when you celebrate with your players, with your fans. That's why we do this business."

Ikpeazu finally fit for Saints

St Johnstone, who won the Scottish Cup for a second time in 2021, have reached the last four courtesy of three 1-0 victories.

"We deserve to be in this semi-final," added Valakari. "We have played strong games, not conceded a goal."

Saints midfielder Graham Carey expects Celtic to "come out of the traps quickly" and is looking forward to a break from the fight for top flight survival.

"We can go with a relaxed attitude, but knowing that it's going to be a difficult game," he said. "We have a game plan and we'll stick to it."

Drey Wright and Zak Mitchell are both missing, but striker Uche Ikpeazu, who has been blighted by injuries since signing last summer, is fit and could be in line for a long-awaited debut.