Jury examines Celtic’s key questions, including Scottish Cup final and Andy Robertson’s future

Scottish Cup Final Takes Centre Stage After Title Drama

The intensity and excitement of the Premiership title race have now given way to the focus shifting firmly onto the Scottish Cup, with the finalists officially confirmed for this season’s showpiece event. As attention turns to Hampden, the narrative surrounding the final has added intrigue, particularly with two familiar figures set to go head-to-head in the dugout.

This year’s final presents a compelling storyline, as Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon prepare to face off once again. The question now dominating discussion is which of the two managers will ultimately lift the trophy and bring the curtain down on the domestic season in style.

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates

Pundits Weigh In on Final Outcome

Keith Jackson suggested that Celtic flirted with danger in their semi-final but ultimately powered through thanks to a decisive burst in extra time. That late surge, he believes, has set the stage perfectly for O’Neill, who at 74 could see his journey come full circle with another triumph. In his view, the ending could mirror the beginning of O’Neill’s time in Scottish football, concluding with success.

Michael Gannon echoed the sense of narrative surrounding the occasion, describing it as yet another remarkable chapter in a season filled with dramatic twists. While he acknowledged that Lennon’s side would provide a stern challenge, he still expects O’Neill to guide his team to victory and secure a fitting farewell moment.

Scott McDermott, meanwhile, pointed to the gap in quality between Celtic FC and their Championship opponents as a key factor. However, he also raised concerns about Celtic’s mental state after a draining title race. Despite that, he warned against underestimating Lennon in a one-off match, noting his track record in such scenarios.

Debate Over James Forrest and His Role

Attention has also turned to whether veteran winger James Forrest has done enough to earn a starting place for the crucial run-in. His recent performance at Hampden has reignited discussion about his importance to the team.

Keith Jackson highlighted Forrest’s impact in the semi-final, where he played a pivotal role in changing the game’s momentum. By setting up Kelechi Iheanacho for a crucial goal, Forrest helped spark a late collapse from St Mirren FC. Jackson argued that Forrest remains the club’s most effective winger in high-pressure situations and should be given more than just brief substitute appearances.

Michael Gannon agreed on Forrest’s effectiveness but pointed out the physical limitations that come with age. While still a potent attacking option, Forrest may struggle to sustain performance levels over a full 90 minutes. As a result, Gannon believes he is best utilised as an impact substitute who can influence games at key moments.

Scott McDermott took a balanced view, suggesting that Forrest’s quality remains comparable—if not superior—to other wide options such as Yang and Sebastiano Tounekti. He emphasised Forrest’s experience and winning mentality but questioned whether he has the stamina to start consistently. Nevertheless, his contribution off the bench at Hampden demonstrated his continued value.

Dunfermline Athletic Eye Promotion Opportunity

Another major talking point is the progress of Dunfermline Athletic, who have secured their place at Hampden and are now aiming for a return to the Premiership. Their recent form has raised the possibility that they could carry momentum into the play-offs and achieve promotion.

Keith Jackson believes Dunfermline will approach the play-offs with confidence, particularly given their strong performances in recent weeks. He suggested that teams like Aberdeen FC could be uneasy about the prospect of facing them, especially in a high-stakes environment such as East End Park.

Michael Gannon also acknowledged the importance of momentum, noting that Dunfermline’s current form could propel them through the play-offs. However, he cautioned that the structure of the system tends to favour Premiership sides, making the challenge significantly tougher.

Scott McDermott pointed out that while the odds may be against Dunfermline, they cannot be ruled out. With Neil Lennon’s expertise in preparing teams for decisive matches, they have a manager capable of maximising their chances. Still, the number of games required to secure promotion presents a considerable hurdle, and established top-flight teams like Kilmarnock FC or St Mirren may be determined to avoid relegation at all costs.

Dunfermline Athletic players celebrate victory in the penalty shoot-out(Image: Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

Andy Robertson Faces Uncertain Future

The discussion also turned to the future of Scotland captain Andy Robertson, whose time at Liverpool FC appears to be drawing to a close. With uncertainty surrounding his next move, pundits offered differing advice on how he should approach this stage of his career.

Keith Jackson advised caution, suggesting Robertson should avoid making any rushed decisions. He specifically warned against a move to Tottenham Hotspur, describing the club as unstable. Jackson also referenced the uncertain position of manager Arne Slot, implying that a change in leadership could alter Robertson’s prospects. Instead, he recommended focusing on upcoming international commitments, including the FIFA World Cup, before deciding on his future.

Michael Gannon took a more pragmatic stance, suggesting Robertson should seek the most lucrative offer available within the Premier League. He argued that the full-back still possesses the quality required to compete at the highest level and could command a significant final contract.

Scott McDermott emphasised the importance of maintaining a high standard of competition. At 32, Robertson remains one of Europe’s top left-backs, and McDermott believes he should continue playing at an elite level rather than moving to less competitive leagues such as Major League Soccer or those in Saudi Arabia. He also suggested that, should Tottenham remain in the top flight, a move there could be appealing—particularly if it involved working under Roberto De Zerbi.

Key Decisions Ahead as Season Reaches Climax

As the Scottish football season approaches its conclusion, several crucial questions remain unanswered. The Scottish Cup final promises to deliver drama and a fitting end to a campaign already rich in storylines, while individual player situations continue to generate debate.

From James Forrest’s role in Celtic’s lineup to Dunfermline’s promotion ambitions and Andy Robertson’s next career move, the coming weeks will be pivotal. Each of these narratives adds another layer of intrigue, ensuring that the spotlight remains firmly on Scottish football as the season draws to a close.