Saints, however, are so short of numbers, two 17-year-olds have been drafted in, with manager Owen Coyle stating “one of them looks like being on the bench.”

The two in question are defender Adam Monaghan and forward Bobby Barr.

Both are in their first season of full-time football — with Monaghan being signed straight from school — and have yet to play for the first team.

“Although we lost to Celtic, we have taken a lot of positives from the game.

“And, although we’re trailing Gretna for the one automatic promotion spot to the SPL, the boys will carry on the fight tonight. They can’t wait to get started,” said Owen.

Experienced midfield man Derek McInnes echoed these sentiments. “We have this game in hand over Gretna and must capitalise.

“A few of the boys took knocks on Saturday and we have three suspended.

“But those who haven’t been playing are keen to get involved, and bringing them in will give us an injection of freshness.

“We’re disappointed to be out of the Scottish Cup — but Saturday’s semi is over now. We’re fully focused on the task in hand.”