Wilfried Nancy believes Celtic’s players “deserve” to win the Scottish League Cup after a period of uncertainty.
The Frenchman has suffered back-to-back defeats – to Premier League leaders Hearts and Roma in the Europa League – since being appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor as manager.
Nancy is the first Hoops boss to lose his first two games in charge and has also been criticized by some for switching to a new formation straight away.
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Celtic beat St Mirren in their last Premier League match
The 48-year-old believes victory against St Mirren at Hampden Park on Sunday would be the perfect way to bounce back from a testing start to life at Parkhead.
“The fact that we haven’t won the last two games, mentally we can have a bit of uncertainty, I would say,” he said.
“We had a good discussion with the players (after Thursday’s loss to Roma) and we know what we did well.
“We know what we need to improve and everything is clear and they are really focused on this game so it doesn’t change too much in that regard.
“I only see good things about the game and what we are going to do.
“This is more for the players because they believe, not only believe, but they deserve this win with all the changes and so on.”
Celtic lost to Hearts before their midweek defeat to Roma in the Europa League
The former Columbus Crew boss has named the same starter KSI in both of his games and admits he may be forced to do the same in Sunday’s showdown.
“I wanted to do more rotation, to be honest. But again, I’m in between,” he added.
“A few players haven’t played much, also the last six games, so I have to balance that out a bit.”
“I will put the team that I think is the best to have a good game against this team.”
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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson urges his squad to have ‘faith over fear’ as they prepare to face Celtic
St Mirren’s last trophy was the 2013 League Cup final victory over Hearts, but Nancy does not believe that gives the current holders an extra edge.
“I expect a big game. All the emotions are in the final,” he said.
“Play with emotion, but also balance with emotion. I think the team that’s able to be good at that will maximize their chances of winning.”
“It will be a tough game. We are ready to accept this challenge and do whatever it takes to win.”