Strachan promotes Riordain
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan promoted Derek Riordan to his starting line-up for the Tennent’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone.
Strachan rewarded Riordan for his winner against Motherwell last week, when he came off the bench to get the game’s only goal, and the 24-year-old replaced the injured Maciej Zurawski.
Centre-back Stephen McManus – serving a three-match ban in the Bank of Scotland Premier League – was also drafted into the team in place of Darren O’Dea.
Saints boss Owen Coyle also made two changes to the side that beat First Division promotion rivals Gretna last week.
Filipe Morais was eligible for today’s game, despite his red card last week, but Coyle opted to field Simon Mensing instead.
Goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert was back after serving his suspension, meaning Bryn Halliwell had to settle for a place on the bench.
St Johnstone: Cuthbert, Anderson, James, McManus, Stanic, Sheerin, McInnes, Mensing, Hardie, Scotland, MacDonald. Replacements: Halliwell, A. Lawrie, A. Lawrie, Morais, McLaren, Jackson.
Celtic: Boruc, Caldwell, Pressley, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Lennon, Hartley, McGeady, Riordan, Vennegoor of Hesselink. Replacements: McGovern, Miller, Gravesen, Beattie, O’Dea.
Referee: C Richmond (Scotland)
