Celtic out to make amends in Scottish Cup clash

02 March 2013 03:46

James Forrest says Celtic will be right up for their Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against St Mirren on Saturday as they look to bounce back from their midweek league loss to Motherwell.

The Parkhead side, who are still 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League, will make the short trip to Paisley to take on the Buddies for a place in the last four of the competition as they look to clinch a league and cup double.

The match comes just three days after Celtic fell to their first league defeat of 2013 as Motherwell beat them 2-1 at Fir Park.

Forrest was one of only a couple of players not to come in for criticism from manager Neil Lennon after the match, who labelled his players complacent and lazy.

But that didn't diminish the 21-year-old winger's disappointment at the final outcome, and he insists that everyone in the squad is desperate to make amends for the result in the match against St Mirren.

"It's all about the team and hopefully we can get back on track on Saturday," said Forrest.

"It was disappointing. We knew that Motherwell are second or third in the league, and we were all up for the game. It just wasn't to be our night and we just need to prepare for Saturday now.

"All of the boys will be up for it, and obviously we want to win the game and go as far as we can in the cup."

With one eye on next week's Champions League clash against Juventus, Lennon will be tempted to utilise some of his fringe players for the match against St Mirren, despite being desperate for revenge against the team who knocked out Celtic in the last four of the League Cup recently.

Sunday's match of the day sees Dundee welcome city rivals Dundee United to Dens Park with a place in the last four up for grabs.

United have won their previous two derby meetings this season as they heaped misery on a Dundee side lying 15 points from safety at the bottom of the league.

But interim Dundee manager John Brown was full of confidence after his side came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with St Johnstone in midweek despite having a man sent off.

"We're not frightened of anybody. United have got a great record. They have got a good team with some excellent players. But it's 11 v 11, isn't it?" Brown said.

"This result gives us a good platform.

"I've come here to assess all of the players from here until the end of the season and hopefully put my hat in the ring with all the other applications to get the job," he added.

United have a big doubt surrounding the fitness of top scorer Johnny Russell for the tie.

Kilmarnock could hand Kris Boyd his first start since rejoining the Rugby Park side against Hibernian in Sunday's other quarter-final.

Elsewhere on Saturday there is an all First Division clash between Hamilton and Falkirk at New Douglas Park.

In the SPL, Ross County welcome Inverness Caledonian Thistle to Victoria Park for the Highland derby.

High-flying County have climbed up to fourth place following an unbeaten run in 2013 and could leapfrog their neighbours with a win.

Managerless Hearts will have a tough task as they attempt to halt a four-match losing streak when they welcome second-placed Motherwell to Tynecastle.

The Jambos, who have financial worries off the pitch, parted company with manager John McGlynn after they slumped to second bottom in the SPL.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Scottish Cup quarter-finals

St Mirren v Celtic (1245), Hamilton Academical v Falkirk

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Motherwell, Ross County v Inverness CT

Sunday

Scottish Cup quarter-finals

Dundee v Dundee United (1245), Kilmarnock v Hibernian

Source: AFP