Cherish cup clash, urges Pressley

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley urged his players to "cherish" their Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final clash against Celtic at Hampden on Sunday.

The Irn-Bru First Division side had their media open day at the Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday where there was no mistaking the youthfulness of the Bairns squad which includes Craig Sibbald (16), Jay Fulton (17), Blair Alston (19) and Murray Wallace (19).

Pressley, however, is hoping all his players make the most of a "wonderful opportunity" against the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders. The former Rangers, Celtic and Hearts defender said: "Everyone is desperate to be involved. It is very exciting and new for the players."

He added: "It is a great occasion for them all and a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their talents. But there must be a realisation that sometimes semi-finals don't come along too often in a player's career.

"When you are 16 and 17 you think that this is a regular occurrence but as I experienced, it can be a long time - seven or eight years in my case - before you see another semi-final.

"So it can be quite a considerable time, that's why you have to cherish these moments and enjoy them."

The Bairns manager is well aware of the remarkable change in fortunes at Celtic Park since the semi-final draw was made at the start of November.

Neil Lennon's men had been booed off the park days earlier after a goalless draw at home to Hibernian left them 12 points behind SPL leaders Rangers. The Parkhead men now sit four points clear of their Old Firm rivals after 12 successive league wins.

The former Scotland defender said: "When the draw was made Celtic were struggling and going through a transitional period but since then they have done nothing but win games.

"Twelve straight SPL wins is a phenomenal record but I also think that we have progressed enormously over the last eight weeks. We are playing better than ever this season and we have a real trust and belief in the system we play so I think it makes for an intriguing game."