Key Celtic Defender Suspended Ahead of Crucial St Mirren Clash

Liam Scales will miss Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren through suspension. The Irish centre-back collected too many yellow cards in earlier rounds. He had been a regular and a Player of the Year candidate this season.

Martin O’Neill now faces a defensive reshuffle ahead of the Hampden tie. Celtic’s back line has been hit by injuries and absences all season.

Centre-back plans

Auston Trusty looks set to start and provide experience at the back. Trusty will likely move to the left because both main options are right-footed.

Loanee Benjamin Arthur is the favourite to partner Trusty. Arthur’s recent form has given the manager reason to pick him. Dane Murray remains an option off the bench or for a start.

Full-back options

Julian Araujo remains sidelined and is not expected to play for Celtic again. That leaves Anthony Ralston or Colby Donovan as the left-back choices.

On the right, the selection is between Marcelo Saracchi and Kieran Tierney. Tierney started the previous meeting, but Saracchi could be preferred this time.

Match context and stakes

Celtic beat St Mirren 1-0 last weekend. St Mirren will be better prepared and highly motivated for the semi-final.

No side goes into a semi-final to concede defeat. Celtic must not underestimate their opponent at Hampden Park.

• Unavailable: Liam Scales (suspended), Julian Araujo (injured)
• Likely starters: Auston Trusty, Benjamin Arthur
• Other options: Dane Murray, Anthony Ralston, Colby Donovan
• Right-back choices: Marcelo Saracchi, Kieran Tierney
• Injury absentees: Cameron Carter-Vickers (season-long absence)

With a key Celtic defender suspended ahead of the crucial St Mirren clash, squad depth will be tested. Manager Martin O’Neill has expressed confidence in the available young defenders. Filmogaz.com will monitor team news and provide updates before kick-off.