Martin O’Neill has explained the absence of Tomas Cvancara from Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, revealing that the decision was NOT due to any injury issues…
The Czech Republic international was left out of the squad for the Hampden Park showdown, as Celtic booked their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic.
Since his loan arrival in January, the 25-year-old has contributed two goals and two assists. Cvancara has been unconvincing in front of goal and it is the first time he has been excluded from a matchday squad.
O’Neill described the call as a matter of slight rotation, with Daizen Maeda chosen to lead the line. He also confirmed that Cvancara was fully fit and would have been in contention had he been picked.
Benjamin Arthur during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Speaking via BBC Sportsound, O’Neill said: “No, he’s not injured. We have a couple of players, Scales is suspended for a start so big Benji Arthur comes in there. Arne Engels starts in the game, it’s just a manner of, if I can call it, slight rotation.”
Arne Engels during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
When asked about his thoughts on the game, O’Neill added: “We got off to a great start, Daizen Maeda closing down and scoring the goal. I was hoping then that we would take the initiative; I thought we had a lot of possession. I mentioned to you the other day that sometimes maybe we should try to look forward a wee bit more quickly.”
“But overall we were in good control of the game, then their first corner, Viljami Sinisalo has to make a really great save and I thought that gave St Mirren a big, big boost. Because the game wasn’t out of sight.”
“Having said this, we scored just at the half-time whistle. I just never felt really comfortable, even at 2-0. What I was really pleased about was the extra time, which was naturally when the players were really disappointed. Having to raise themselves again for the extra time.”
James Forrest during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“James Forrest, one versus one, takes the player on and Iheanacho scores the goal. A flood of confidence then, at that stage, and we do really, really well.”
'There'll be no old pals act' 😅
Martin O'Neill on facing Neil Lennon's Dunfermline side in the Scottish Cup final 🏆#BBCFootball #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/eLEb5oIMtp
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) April 19, 2026
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