Cup Semi Final draw with eight teams….

The Scottish Cup semi final draw was made at Largs this afternoon and is a complete either/or affair with all eight teams still included.

The draw paired Aberdeen or St. Mirren against the winners of Celtic against Inverness, leaving the other tie being Dundee Utd or Motherwell taking on the winner of Brechin or St. Johnstone.

It could take a few weeks yet before the draw is confirmed with United and Motherwell’s replay not due until 29^th March, although that date must now be in doubt. Motherwell have had Darren Randolph and Stephen Craigan called up for International duty and will be required by the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively.

Hopefully common sense will prevail and the game can be re-arranged and the two sides can line up against each other at full strength.

The other thing still to be sorted is where the games will be played. Hampden is the contracted venue but surely common sense should prevail and the United/Motherwell/Brechin/St. Johnstone tie could be moved to a smaller ground where there would be a better atmosphere.

The games are due to be played on 16^th/17^th April but the times have yet to be confirmed as we will no doubt be waiting on what Sky and the BBC decide.

Talking of TV it was good to hear today the St. Johnstone v Brechin replay will be shown on Sky, no doubt the replay will be a poor game after a pulsating first game ignored by TV.