St Johnstone’s Michael O’Halloran has more reason than most to hope he will win a place in boss Tommy Wright’s Scottish Cup Final side next week as he has a whole busload of family and friends coming to support him.
The former Bolton player was outstanding for Saints on Wednesday night at McDiarmid against champions Celtic. He hit the post with a fierce long-range shot after just 30 seconds and then popped up in the 85th minute to net his side’s third goal to cap an incredible comeback after being 3-1 down at one point to the Hoops.
Now, the self-confessed Celtic fan, who was with the Glasgow club as a youth, is desperate to win the nod for the showpiece occasion next Saturday at Parkhead.
O’Halloran said: “I think we deserved to be a few goals up in the first 45 but credit to Celtic, they came back in the second half and showed their quality.
“But we also displayed good spirit to get a draw in the end. The manager said at the start that we were playing for places in the cup final.
“The lads have been terrific and I wouldn’t like to be picking the team personally. I think a few of the boys have given him a bit of a headache.
“But I want to be playing in the final and I hope I made my mark against Celtic. It would be a dream come true for me playing in the final at Celtic Park.
“There should be a brilliant atmosphere and we have sold thousands of tickets which is great for the town.
“Obviously, we want to go and win it. We are not going to just make up the numbers. We have a great chance so I am looking forward to it.
“I have a busload of family and friends going to the final. I am from Moodiesburn so it will be a short journey for them.
“I have even had some who have never been to a game before asking me for tickets.”