Celtic boss Ronny Deila targets Scottish Cup glory after 2015 heartache
Sunday 17 April 2016 13:43, UK
Celtic boss Ronny Deila is desperate to secure a place in the Scottish Cup final following his side's controversial exit last season.
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The Hoops face rivals Rangers on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 2 from 11am, for a place in next month's end-of-season showpiece against Hibernian.
The Norwegian was denied a domestic treble last season when his side faltered at the last-four stage of the competition with goalkeeper Craig Gordon sent off in a 3-2 defeat by Inverness, a game in which also saw the Hoops denied a strong penalty claim.
Deila, who will check on the fitness of Danish central defender Erik Sviatchenko on Sunday morning, said; "That was a special day last year, it was a day that we will never forget. It was a big chance that was taken away from us.
"Now we have a new opportunity to reach the final and that is what we really want. It means a lot to the players, the fans and the whole club as well so we are going to be ready.
"It is the fourth time in a semi-final and the Scottish Cup is a cup we haven't won in my time. I am really excited and looking forward to the game."
Celtic comfortably beat Rangers 2-0 in their League Cup semi-final meeting last season in what was Deila's first match against the Championship side as boss. Since then, Mark Warburton's side have won their division and secured a place in the top flight of Scottish football.
Deila admits he is looking forward to what he expects to be an "unbelievable atmosphere" at the national stadium.
"You don't have to come here to understand that rivalry," he said. "I have seen it many times on television and heard about it. But when you are into it you see that it is even more than you see when you are outside.
"It was a big occasion and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Scottish football is at its best when you have Champions League nights and games like this.
"Rangers are very clear in the style they play and we are clear how we play so there is nothing new coming up. They are playing a totally different way now.
"Almost every game they have 70 per cent possession and we have 65 per cent so both teams are used to having the ball so we will see on Sunday who has control.
"I think the team who can defend very well and keep the ball at the same time has the best chance to win it."
