Celtic are looking to keep their retention of the Viaplay Cup on track but must see of Kilmarnock off at the weekend.
Ange Postecoglou's men have their league form boxed off with a nine-point advantage over rivals Rangers providing a comfort blanket towards their plight to win the title. But Postecoglou's first triumph in Glasgow came in this competition in late 2021 and Derek McInnes' men will be hoping to mark their first return to the Hampden stage in over ten years with a huge upset.
The work on the Celtic training ground has already begun ahead of Saturday's semi-final tussle, as Glasgow Live Sport took a look at the Lennoxtown landscape.
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Iwata arrives
Tomoki Iwata became Celtic's third signing of the New Year and is already adapting to life in Glasgow.
The J-League recruit - Postecoglou's sixth acquisition from Japan since his Celtic appointment - looked eager to dive in as he's welcomed to the training facility and was seen trying to keep pace with fellow countryman Kyogo Furuhashi from the off.
It remains to be seen what the 25-year-old will bring to Postecoglou's squad with plenty of competition for places in Glasgow.
Monty's back - big chance ahead?
Adam Montgomery is back training with Celtic after a useful loan spell at St Johnstone for the youngster.
And the 20-year-old, who did play his part in the early days under Postecoglou could be returning at just the right time ahead of Saturday's semi-final. With number one left-back Greg Taylor ruled out of the semi-final and beyond, the young Scot could be vying for what would be a shock start at Hampden.
Summer arrival Alexandro Bernabei was in from the start at the weekend but questions remain over the 21-year-old ahead of a pressure-cooker game. If Montgomery impresses Postecoglou again, perhaps he could find himself on Saturday's team sheet.
Strachan barks 'never stop' attitude
Celtic's 'never stop' mantra seems to flow through the players and coaching staff since Postecoglou's arrival.
One man who has been viewed as an unsung hero of the new regime is coach Gavin Strachan - son of former Hoops boss Gordon. Many Lennoxtown training sessions have been under his command and this week was no different. In a clip posted to Celtic TV he can be seen barking 'GO! GO! GO!'' to the squad as they do a fast-paced drill.
It looks like it could be an all-guns blazing approach from the off at the national stadium.
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