Celtic return to Hampden on Sunday, but one recognisable name will not be part of the squad.
Martin O’Neill leads his team into a Scottish Cup semi final clash with St Mirren, just seven days after edging past the same opponents with a tight 1-0 victory before the league split.
That win did little to wipe away the memory of December. Celtic were outplayed on that occasion, losing 3-1 to St Mirren in the League Cup final, a display that still hangs over the club following Wilfried Nancy’s difficult spell in charge.
There is no avoiding that backdrop. Same opponent, same stage, and an opportunity to set things straight.
The journey to this stage has been fairly solid. Victories over Auchinleck Talbot, Dundee and Rangers have brought Celtic back to the national stadium with a place in the final within reach.
However, they will have to manage without Liam Scales. The defender is suspended after collecting yellow cards in earlier rounds, including the penalty shootout success at Ibrox.
He will still be following events closely. Scales made it clear the squad have not moved on from what happened the last time these teams faced each other at Hampden. He said (Celtic FC):
“This is a chance for us to get to a cup final. We want to make up for the cup final last year, so we just need to take it game-by-game and, obviously, Sunday’s our next.
“We’ll be fully focused. We know how big of a game it is to get to that final.”
Those comments capture the feeling around the camp. There is an intensity about this fixture.
Previous meetings between the sides this season have been closely fought. Celtic needed a late Luke McCowan goal on the opening day to secure the points, then depended on a 95th minute Callum McGregor strike in Paisley to repeat the trick.
There is nothing to suggest this will be straightforward.
St Mirren come into the match with changes of their own on the sidelines. Interim manager Craig McLeish has already outlined his approach, encouraging his team to make use of Hampden’s width and prevent Celtic from dictating the game entirely.
That will come as no surprise. Celtic have faced St Mirren often enough this season to understand the challenge ahead.
O’Neill has key decisions to make. The midfield setup has evolved in recent weeks, while the attack still lacks a consistent shape. Hampden demands clarity in both departments.
Win, and Celtic book their place in another Scottish Cup final on 23 May, where Falkirk or Dunfermline will be waiting.
Lose, and the scrutiny surrounding this group only intensifies. Kick off is at 2pm, live on Premier Sports.