St Mirren vs Celtic: Why Jonah Ayunga Could Be X-Factor in Scottish Cup Final

St Mirren defender Alex Gogic insists his side will not be intimidated when they face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final on December 14, and Kenyan fans will be keeping a close eye on striker Jonah Ayunga, who could play a pivotal role in the showpiece clash.

The Paisley side secured their place in the final with a commanding 4-1 victory over Motherwell at Hampden Park on Saturday, November 1. 

Michael Mandron opened the scoring after 25 minutes from a flick-on by Gogic, and Dan Nlundulu doubled the lead just before halftime. 

Mandron later set up Richard King for a third before scoring his own second, while Callum Hendry’s late strike for Motherwell was merely a consolation.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

In the case for Ayunga, who came on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Nlundulu, the semi-final marked another important step in his quest to impress both at club and international level. 

The forward, who recently missed out on the latest Harambee Stars call-ups, showed glimpses of his pace and creativity in a game that could boost his chances of future selection.

The victory also marked St Mirren’s first trip to Hampden since 2021 and their first cup final appearance since lifting the League Cup in 2013. 

“You’ve got to give them respect but at the moment I don’t think we fear anyone,” Gogic told STV. 

“The way we’re playing, I think we’ve been unlucky in the league. The performances have been there but the results haven’t. On Saturday it showed that if we continue performing then results will come. We’ll focus on the league now and when the day comes, there’s nothing to lose.”

Manager Stephen Robinson has been credited for turning St Mirren into a well-drilled side capable of competing against the country’s biggest clubs.

 “We did not need to do many things in terms of motivation. We could have scored more, and I am delighted with the coaching staff for getting this done. The players to credit have to go to them: they managed the game and the occasion, and we certainly enjoyed the game,” Robinson said.

Gogic also praised the manager for his attention to detail and tactical discipline.

 “He’s been amazing since the day he joined. Every little detail on the pitch he sees it, and straight away with the new boys in pre-season we work on it so everyone is on the same page. Every player knows what to do in each position. You could put me anywhere on the pitch and I know exactly what he wants me to do.

“It’s very important. At the start of the season the gaffer said we’ve been brilliant in the last three years in finishing top six and qualifying for Europe. The only thing he said has been missing is a run in one of the cups. I think to get to the final is amazing and everyone is buzzing. For the club and for the fans, we owe them that,” Gogic added.