Celtic team news as Wilfried Nancy gives update ahead of cup final

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy says his squad has come through recent fixtures without any fresh injury concerns as the Hoops prepare to face St Mirren in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece occasion, Nancy confirmed all players are available following midweek action.

“For the moment everything’s okay,” he said. “The starters did a bit of regeneration and the other guys came out to train, but for the moment everything is okay.”

The final will be Nancy’s third game in charge since taking over at Celtic, with the Frenchman admitting recent results have been challenging but insisting the group remains focused.

“Obviously the fact that we didn’t win the last two games, mentally there could be a bit of uncertainty,” he said. “But having had a good discussion with the 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 too much.”

Nancy said the scale of the occasion makes preparation straightforward, regardless of form.

“To be honest, it’s not difficult to prepare the game,” he said. “It’s a final, so in terms of motivation and stimulation it’s going to be there, no doubt.

“It’s going to be easier for my players to focus and stay on the task regarding what we want to do to have a good performance. We’re going to mix everything, put out a team with fresh players and go and win this cup.”

The Celtic boss also hinted at possible changes to his starting line-up as he balances freshness with recent minutes played.

“I wanted to do more rotation, to be honest,” he said. “But I needed to balance that a little bit. I will put the team that I think is the best to have a good performance against this team.”

Nancy expects another tight contest against Stephen Robinson’s side, having already faced St Mirren twice this season.

“The last game they were really aggressive and really well organised,” he said. “We struggled to score goals and they had opportunities as well. I expect a big game.”

The manager added that finals are decided as much by mindset as tactics.

“The final is all about emotion and how you balance the emotion,” he said. “Play with emotion but also balance it. The team that can do that best will maximise their chance to win.”

Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final kicks off at 3.30pm at Barclays Hampden, with Celtic aiming to lift the trophy for the first time under their new manager.