Celtic and Hearts set for delayed Scottish Cup final

Celtic will meet Hearts at Hampden on Sunday afternoon in the much-delayed Scottish Cup final.

A fourth consecutive domestic treble is at stake for the Glasgow side, while their Edinburgh opponents will be aiming to put some shine on a year that saw them relegated when the league season ended early due to the pandemic.

No fans will witness the clash from inside the stadium as the curtain finally falls on the 2019/20 season – seven months later than originally planned.

The semi-finals saw Hearts beat city rivals Hibs on October 31, before Celtic knocked out Aberdeen the following day.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, under pressure following poor league and European form, said the prospect of creating history was driving his players on.

“We are one step away from a monumental piece of history and I don’t think we will see it again in our lifetime,” he said.

“It is a huge game and I just wish there were people there to see it and be a part of it.”

Hearts, meanwhile, will be aiming to become the first Championship side to win the cup since Hibs beat Rangers in 2016 – with Celtic winning all three tournaments since then.

Their manager Robbie Neilson said he would use the controversial circumstances of their relegation – sealed when clubs voted to end the season – to inspire his players.

“Obviously we use that as motivation for every game, not just this game but the league as well,” he said.

“At Hearts you have to go and win every single game and I know we are going in as underdogs against a team who have won the last 11 domestic titles.

“But we believe we have a real opportunity and we feel we have something we can pay the fans back with as well.

“We hope we can get a result, they have a good Christmas and put a smile on their faces after such a difficult year.”