'When I saw it hit the net, I was delighted,' Anthony Ralston

However, Celtic’s control slipped in the second half as St Mirren mounted a comeback, with Mikael Mandron scoring twice to level the match and send it into extra time.

Extra-time saw a dramatic turnaround, as Celtic produced a ruthless burst of attacking football – something we’ve not seen this season – scoring four goals in the space of six minutes. Kelechi Iheanacho, Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren were all on the scoresheet during that incredible spell in the game.

Speaking post-match, Ralston revealed that a calm message was delivered among the players before extra time, helping spark the remarkable surge that secured Celtic’s passage to the final next month.

Speaking post-match at Hampden, Ralston said: “Just to go out and do what we’ve done over the years. We’ve got the experience and quality and just the mental attitude to get the job done, because it’s not easy.”

“The mentality has stood us in great stead for all the years, the success we’ve had winning trophies, because come the 90th minute, when you lose a goal like that going into extra-time, showing the mentality to go out and score as many goals as we did [in extra-time]was terrific. I’m proud of all the boys.”

“It’s been a tough season, in terms of ups and downs. For the boys to show the mentality to now be in another final is hats off to everyone”

Ralston added: “It was a bit of carnage. It’s a semi-final at Hampden, it always has its ups and downs. It was slightly disappointing in the standards we hold for ourselves, to be 2-0 up at half-time in the game, to then come out and show the professionalism to keep up that level, and that was the message at halftime.”

“We didn’t quite do that, we allowed St Mirren back into the game. Fair play to them as well, they didn’t give up.”

When asked how many times he will watch his goal back, Ralston responded: “Maybe a few times, to be fair! I don’t get to do it often. When I saw it hit the net, I was delighted.”

“It’s always a proud moment. I’m sure my family will have a great time watching it. I’m delighted.”

Conor Spence

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