Celtic icon praises Aberdeen boss for rekindling shades of star-studded 80s side ahead of 'dangerous' semi-final

Celtic icon Frank McAvennie is wary of the threat Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen will pose at Hampden Park on Saturday - insisting whoever emerges victorious from the Premier Sports Cup semi-final clash will get their hands on the trophy next month.

The Scottish Premiership co-leaders will face off at the national stadium just a fortnight on from playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Parkhead. The Dons staged an impressive second half comeback from two goals down to salvage a share of the spoils on that occasion, and both clubs have maintained winning ways since then to sit locked on 28 points at the league summit.

Thelin remains unbeaten in 16 games and the Pittodrie boss will seek to extend that sensational run of form in Mount Florida. And McAvennie reckons his former club will need to be careful against an Aberdeen side brimming with confidence after beating Rangers 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Asked if Celtic will overcome the Dons on route to lifting the trophy next month, McAvennie said: “Yeah, I think so. Whoever wins on Saturday wins the cup, that's what I think. I wouldn't be too sure about Rangers beating Motherwell on Sunday either. Hampden is going to be heaving on Saturday, both sets of fans will be there in numbers and you saw how lively Pittodrie was the other night.

“It was absolutely bouncing against Rangers so it's set to be a fantastic game at Hampden. This would have been a great final. Watching Aberdeen against Rangers, they have a confidence about them and a never-say-die attitude. They are dangerous.

“It's magnificent what Jimmy Thelin has done up there at Pittodrie. He's taking after Sir Alex. It reminds me of the Aberdeen side in the 80s. Back then they came to Glasgow and got results. They were on top.

“But playing Celtic at Hampden is a different animal to playing Rangers at Pittodrie. I'm sure Celtic will have learned from their last two meetings with Aberdeen and I think they'll edge it.”