CELTIC face Aberdeen at Hampden on Sunday in the rescheduled semi-final of last season’s Scottish Cup campaign. Originally set for April this year, the pandemic, and subsequent shutdown of Scottish football, saw the fixture postponed, and now Hoops frontman Albian Ajeti can’t wait to play his part.

Speaking to Celtic TV, the Swiss striker said he’s pleased to be able to compete in four domestic competitions this season. Having played Sunday’s opposition for the first time last week, the 23-year-old expects a tough game but is confident he and his team-mates can prevail.

“It’s even better for me to be a part of last season, with this weekend’s rescheduled Scottish Cup semi-final,” said Ajeti. “I’ll try now to help the team, and I’m happy to do that in any game – in the cups, league, Europa League, any game.

“Last Sunday against Aberdeen was a tough game but we knew even beforehand that it would be. I thought we really played well and actually deserved the three points, but if you concede penalties just before half-time and in the last second of the game, it’s hard.

“I think if you score three goals away from home then you deserve to win. But, as I said, we’re working hard and the good games will come back.”

Ajeti acknowledged games like Sunday’s would otherwise be big occasions for fans, and said he reckons their absence provides an extra bit of motivation for the players on the pitch in high-profile encounters such as the next one.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to the cup game on Sunday because I know the history of the club. Unfortunately, we can’t share that with the fans at the moment in the stadiums, but that’s extra motivation to try and win these games for them.

“It must be difficult as fans to not be allowed in to watch games. That’s an extra motivation for us all and we’re preparing well for the cup game against Aberdeen.”

Albian Ajeti: I’m delighted to help the team in Scottish Cup clash