Celtic

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Who makes Celtic's cup final team?

Firstly, some stats. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is undefeated at Hampden. His record reads: played 14, won 14. He's also unbeaten at Murrayfield, where the 2018 League Cup semi-final win over Hearts took place.

Celtic haven't lost a Scottish Cup final in 23 years, winning all 11 since the 3-2 defeat to Rangers in 2002.

Celtic haven't lost a final of any kind since Kilmarnock beat them to lift the 2012 League Cup. The Parkhead side have contested 15 finals since and come up smelling of roses in every one.

So to whom should the manager turn to preserve such an astonishing success rate? I'll give you my team.

The goalkeeper and back four is the easy part. I'll be very surprised if Rodgers deviates from Kasper Schmeichel in between the sticks with Alastair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor in front of him.

It wouldn't appear that Auston Trusty has done enough to oust the reliable Scales from the Hampden starting XI.

Midfield is an area where Rodgers has a couple of decisions to make given the absence of creative playmaker, Reo Hatate.

Captain Callum McGregor is nailed on to start. There are two spots up for grabs alongside him with three players crossing their fingers: Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan.

Rodgers has made no secret of his soft spot for Engels, a player he was happy to break the club transfer record for last summer.

However, the midfield that helped tear Aberdeen to shreds at Pittodrie recently had Bernardo and McCowan just ahead of McGregor. If Engels and Bernardo are paired with the skipper, I wonder if that trio is a bit too 'samey'?

McCowan brings more of an inventive spark, not to mention an eye for goal. While Rodgers is more likely to go with McGregor, Engels and Bernardo, this correspondent would plump for McGregor, Engels and McCowan.

Which leaves the front three. Daizen Maeda, Scotland's player of the year, is already on the teamsheet. Two options for him: wide left, to allow Adam Idah to start as main striker, or up front on his own.

One person who deserves to start is man of the moment, James Forrest. He terrorised the Dons last midweek and was man of the match against St Mirren on trophy day despite only playing half an hour.

The club's most decorated player will be eyeing up the 27th piece of silverware of a fairytale Celtic career.

Who drops out to accommodate him? Nicolas Kuhn's form has been patchy at best this calendar year.

With Maeda bombing down one wing and Forrest patrolling the other, the physical presence (and 20-goal contribution this season) of Idah might just complete Rodgers' ideal line-up.

The Republic of Ireland frontman got the winner in last year's final and has hit a hot streak lately, scoring six in six games.

My Celtic cup final line-up would therefore be: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, Engels, McGregor, McCowan, Forrest, Idah, Maeda.

Feel free to disagree - and tell me yours.

It may well transpire that Rodgers starts Bernardo and Kuhn and keeps McCowan and Forrest as impact substitutes. Whatever the line-up, it will take a mightily improved Aberdeen showing just to make this final competitive.

The countdown is on to Saturday's Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

Only Aberdeen stand between Celtic and yet another domestic clean sweep, the Parkhead side's sixth in nine years.

To get you in the mood, watch all the goals on Celtic's path to the final.

Follow the FA Cup final across BBC Sport, with live coverage on BBC One Scotland, Radio Scotland, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Giorgos Giakoumakis says he left Celtic for Atlanta United in 2023 because of his "fragile" relationship with manager Ange Postecoglou, but the 30-year-old Greek striker currently with Mexican club Cruz Azul would love to play for the Scottish champions again some day. (Daily Record), external

Leicester City are eyeing a move to bring Jeffrey Schlupp back to the club with the 32-year-old left-back due to be out of contract with Crystal Palace at the end of his loan to Celtic. (Football Insider), external

Celtic are bracing themselves for interest and bids for 25-year-old winger Nicolas Kuhn this summer. (Football Insider), external

Veteran Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has vowed to defy critics in his homeland and continue his international career with Denmark. (The Herald), external

Celtic pathways manager Darren O'Dea is set to finalise his move to Swansea City this week after the 38-year-old agreed a three-year contract to become the Championship club's new assistant manager. (Sky Sports), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kasper Schmeichel has urged Celtic fans to never take success for granted as they aim to win a sixth domestic treble in nine seasons.

Victory over Aberdeen in the Saturday's Scottish Cup final would make it 22 trophies out of 27 since Brendan Rodgers first arrived at Celtic Park in the summer of 2016.

The Parkhead side won a 13th Scottish Premiership title in 14 seasons this term and lifted the trophy in front of a jubilant home crowd at the weekend.

Having defeated Rangers on penalties in a dramatic League Cup final in December, Celtic can seal another clean sweep by beating the Dons in their final game of the season at Hampden.

Denmark keeper Schmeichel told Celtic's official podcast: "We must never, ever take these for granted, because it's not easy winning trophies or titles.

"Celtic have been able to do it because we have maintained an incredibly high standard of professionalism that's rooted deeply in hard work and dedication. Without that, it's not going to happen.

"So one thing I always would preach to anybody, any football fan, is to never take for granted the opportunity and never take for granted how much hard work goes into getting those opportunities.

"There are big clubs that go through big periods of transition, so you must never take these things for granted.

"We've got to enjoy them because you never know what's around the corner. But one thing I can guarantee, from my knowledge of the people in this building, is that no-one's going to let up."

Tino
Fan writer

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For over a decade, Celtic have ruled Scottish football. Trophy after trophy, season after season - and at the heart of it all, two men stand tall.

Brendan Rodgers and James Forrest. The club's most successful modern-day manager and its most decorated player.

If Celtic lift the Scottish Cup this weekend it will mark Rodgers' 12th and Forrest's 27th major honour - milestones that further etch their names into club legend.

But with both men entering the final year of their contracts, the question now is: how much longer will they grace the east end of Glasgow?

Rodgers has said he is "200%" committed to being at Celtic next season. Forrest looks fitter, hungrier and sharper than ever, even as he approaches 34.

But beyond the 2025-26 campaign? That's uncertain - and Celtic can't afford to leave it to chance. It's time to act.

Whether it's Michael Nicholson, Dermot Desmond or anyone else calling the shots, securing new deals for both is non-negotiable.

Rodgers has brought stability, vision and silverware. Forrest - a one-club man - continues to deliver, driven by unseen hours of graft long after the final whistle has blown.

Their personalities couldn't be more different. Rodgers, composed and commanding; Forrest, quiet and unassuming. But their impact? Equally vital.

Celtic fans will be hoping the season ends not just with silverware, but with the announcement of two contract extensions in the weeks ahead.

If so, it might just be the most important business the club does all summer.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

David Strelec, for whom Celtic had a £7m offer rejected in January, expects to be in pre-season training with Slovan Bratislava, despite Feyenoord and Real Betis joining the hunt for the striker, but the 24-year-old is wondering if a better offer might arrive in the meantime. (The National), external

Amid fresh interest from Celtic, 23-year-old striker Mathias Kvistgaarden has told TV 2 Sport he is ready to leave Brondby if the club grant his wish to exit this summer. (Daily Record), external

On-loan striker Marco Tilio says he will return to Celtic from Melbourne City a more mature and more complete player. (Daily Record), external

Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer thinks 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller will depart the club this summer, with Celtic having reportedly considered a transfer bid in January. (Glasgow World), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

As the champions bowed out with a draw at home to St Mirren, there can only be one make to make my team of the week.

James Forrest finally got his moment in the sun. It almost feels like he has been taken for granted at times over the years. A wonderful script written for him as he netted for the 16th season in a row to salvage a draw.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Celtic's high standards and the likelihood of them securing another domestic treble.

Brazil legend Zico believes Reo Hatate would flourish in Italy after the Celtic midfielder was linked with a move to Udinese. (Sunday Post via Glasgow Times, external)

Former Celtic head of recruitment Lee Congerton is set to become the sporting director of AC Milan after working with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for the last 14 months. (Football Italia), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

Watch all the highlights from Celtic's 1-1 draw against St Mirren on the final day of the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Celtic's 1-1 draw against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: This title, and a possible treble, must be sore for the minority of Celtic supporters who never wanted to see Brendan Rodgers back at the club. His record is unmatched so the nae sayers should just go away and hold their heads in shame.

Andy: Dreadful performance but delighted for James Forrest. He deserved that as he still shows he can do a job. He should get to start in the final as Nicolas Kuhn looks uninterested and predictable. Well done the Celtic, now the treble.

Steven: Credit to St Mirren they had a game plan and executed it well. They have taken many points from our competitors this year. As for Celtic, our fans came to party which we did. The front three were lacking ideas and very poor. The scene was set for Forrest to turn the game and his introduction provided creativity which Celtic lacked prior to this. The fairy tale was complete for Forrest at the end and nobody could have written it better! Well done James.

Paul: Tremendously tenacious performance by this dogged St Mirren side who resolutely and frustratingly limited Celtic to very few chances throughout the match, and only a late grandstand finish from record breaker Forrest prevented them from winning. Brendan Rodgers will now have to re-energise his players for the cup final next week to alleviate any significant signs of lethargy which was clearly in evidence at Parkhead on Saturday.

John: A glorious occasion, terrific atmosphere before and after the game but nervy throughout! The starting eleven didn't quite display the urgency and desire required and demanded each time the team step out. I think Brendan will know he needs to start with Forrest in the final. His drive, speed and trickery will create opportunities. Adam Idah was too static and Kuhn, I fear, has become a bit too predictable. Take nothing away from this team, they have been magnificent this season, to be in for a clean domestic sweep and to have performed so well in Europe's elite competition is a testament to the manager and his staff to bring out the best in the team.

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• St Mirren have scored in their last six games in the Premiership, their longest scoring streak this season.

• Alistair Johnston has assisted 10 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no player has more.

• Jonah Ayunga has scored his fourth goal in the Premiership this season, netting for the first time since 10th May 2025 against Dundee United.

• Celtic have scored in 35 of their 38 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is to hold talks over his future with major shareholder Dermot Desmond. (Sun), external

Rodgers indicates Celtic are ready to strengthen when the summer transfer window opens. (Glasgow Times), external

Meanwhile, the Celtic manager expects winger James Forrest, 33, to play a big role next term. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston says "it's lovely" to be able to celebrate another Scottish Premiership title.

"When you start off the season, the main goal is to win the league, to show you have been the best, most consistent team, and that's what we've been," the Canada defender told BBC Scotland.

"You just want to keep racking up the titles."

Speaking of James Forrest's 16th goal in successive seasons, Johnston adds: "To tell your kids and grandkids you have played with legends like him is pretty special".

Image source, Getty Images

We already know Celtic will be in the Champions League play-off round.

And that Rangers will start in the second qualifying stage.

Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen will all be in Europe, too, but the outcome of Saturday's Scottish Cup final will decide who enters which competition and when.

If Celtic win the Scottish Cup...

Hibs will be in the Europa League play-off round. Win that, and they will be in the competition proper. Lose, and it will be the Conference League until Christmas.

Either way, good games and good money.

United will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round, with the second chance of Conference League preliminaries.

And Aberdeen will enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round.

If Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup...

They will be the ones who will be guaranteed continental combat until December.

Hibs would go into the Europa second qualifying round, with the safety net of a second shot in the Conference preliminaries. But no assured league stage football.

And Dundee United would enter the Conference League second qualifying round.