“Obviously, the fact that we didn’t win our last two games, mentally there could be a bit of uncertainty, but, to be honest, having had a good discussion with he players, we know what we did well, we know what we need to improve, everything is clear and they are really focused on this game, so it doesn’t change to much regarding that.

“The context is that I stay positive and see only the good things regarding the game and what we’re going to do.

"This is not for me, it’s for the club obviously, and this is more for the players because I know where we are, I know where we want to go and I know what we need to improve, so now this is more for the players because they deserve this win regarding all the change and so on.”

This will be third meeting between Celtic and St Mirren this season. On the opening day of the campaign, it took a Luke McCowan goal in the 87th minute to give the Hoops a 1-0 home win, while in the recent encounter last month in Paisley. Callum McGregor’s last-minute goal also delivered a 1-0 win for Celtic.

“The final is all about emotion and it’s how you balance the emotion,” said the manager. “Play with emotion but also balance the emotion, and I think the team that is going to be able to be good at that will maximise their chance to win.

“It’s going to be a tough game as we know, but we’re ready to accept this challenge and do whatever it takes to win the game."

Watch the manager’s full press conference

Squad update
Assessment of Roma game
Looking ahead to cup final
Winning for the fans
Hampden test against St Mirren

Watch the manager’s full press conference

More on the match

Manager: We're ready to do whatever it takes to win final