St Mirren's Hampden Park return is just days away, but interim manager Craig McLeish faces a tense wait on the fitness of goalkeeper Shamal George. The key shot-stopper, who had just recovered from a knock sustained in last weekend's narrow 1-0 league defeat at Celtic Park, injured his ankle in training ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final.

McLeish remains hopeful George will be ready, but he was quick to praise the readiness of deputy Ryan Mullen, who performed admirably off the bench last week. "We're more than comfortable and confident with what Ryan can do," McLeish stated, ensuring the squad's belief remains unshaken regardless of who starts between the posts.

Facing Celtic as underdogs is a familiar script for St Mirren this season, and McLeish is using their past success as fuel. He reminded his players of their stunning League Cup final victory over the same opponents in December, a match he watched from the stands. "We've shown that we can do it... and we're more than capable of doing it again," he asserted, channeling that giant-killing spirit for another historic afternoon.

For McLeish, this weekend represents a profound personal milestone. After thinking his chance to lead a team at the national stadium had passed this season, he now describes the opportunity as the proudest moment of his career. "I'm proud and privileged," he said, though he was adamant that the focus remains squarely on the collective effort of the group, not his individual journey.

While a victory would undoubtedly bolster his case for the permanent manager's role, McLeish is keeping his attention fixed on the immediate task: preparing his team for a monumental cup clash where anything is possible.