Ian Maxwell has explained why the SFA has changed the rules of the Scottish Cup ahead of the semi-finals.
Yesterday the SFA announced that the two semi-finals will be played on October 31 and November 1 with the final on December 20.
Jonny Hayes helped Celtic reach the last four by playing in the wins over Clyde and St Johnstone but after his move to Aberdeen he’ll be looking to knock out Neil Lennon’s side to book a final spot against Hearts or Hibs.
Explaining the reasoning Maxwell told the Daily Record:
It has always been our intention to play the tournament to a finish and while the impact of the pandemic has dramatically altered the schedule, we are confident the final will be a unique and memorable showpiece during the Christmas holidays.
The dates for the final stages of the competition will give the semi-finalists the best chance to prepare for such important fixtures.
By ensuring no players will be cup tied, we have also ensured that each club will be able to field their strongest possible teams.
With the transfer window open Celtic are at liberty to sign players from Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs who could then play against their former club at Hampden.
Scott McKenna and Aaron Hickey have both been linked with Celtic and could be part of a treble winning squad!
Hibs striker Florian Kamberi will be very confused by the changes. In January he played for Hibs in two matches against Dundee United before going on loan to Ibrox.
While with Steven Gerrard’s side he had to sit out the Scottish Cup defeat against Hearts but now that he is back at Easter Road he could play against Robbie Neilson’s side in the Hampden semi-final. Neilson was manager of Dundee United when Hibs ended his Scottish Cup hopes in January.
