Martin O’Neill addressed Tomáš Čvančara’s absence before kick-off at Hampden, making it clear the striker was not missing through injury. The forward had been expected to feature, but his name was not in the squad for the Scottish Cup semi-final.

O’Neill instead went with a different front line. Daizen Maeda led the attack, with movement around him rather than a fixed target through the middle. It gave Celtic energy in the press, but less presence in the box when the ball went wide.

19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he scores in the 2nd minute after a challenge on Ryan Mullen of St Mirren

The call also came at a time when Čvančara’s position in the squad is being watched closely. His loan spell includes an option to buy, but his recent absence and limited involvement point in one direction. Others have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.

Changes elsewhere in the team added to the picture. Liam Scales was out through suspension, forcing a reshuffle at the back, while Arne Engels returned in midfield. O’Neill kept the shape but adjusted the players within it.

He said: (BBC Sport), “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.”

Without Čvančara, Celtic relied on movement rather than a focal point. Maeda pressed high and looked to run in behind. Wide players came inside to support, but crosses into the box often lacked a clear target.

That showed as the game wore on. When Celtic needed to hold the ball up, there was less of an outlet. St Mirren were able to step forward and compete for second balls, especially when play became direct.

19th April 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Celtic versus St Mirren; Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrate after the win

With the option to buy in place, regular involvement would have strengthened his case. Right now, Čvančara finds himself on the outside, and it looks unlikely that clause will be triggered unless something changes quickly.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s impact off the bench only adds to that picture. His goals in extra time changed the game and gave O’Neill a different option through the middle.

When matches open up, Celtic now have a striker who can finish chances quickly, which pushes Čvančara further down the line.

1 COMMENT

  1. Fingers crossed Iheanacho is fit for rest of season. His quality in front of goal is second to none in Scotland.

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