Bayley Klimionek: Focus, family and the strong connection of St Johnstone's under-18 group ahead of Scottish Youth Cup semi-final

Bayley Klimionek peered down at the McDiarmid Park pitch and fully understood the magnitude of Friday’s occasion.

But the big left-sided centre-half, despite his young years, also realises the importance of not letting the noise surrounding the experience have a detrimental effect when the first whistle blows.

Klimionek (17) and his St Johnstone U18 team-mates are fully prepared for a date with destiny when Celtic arrive at the Perth stadium for the semi-final of the Scottish Youth Cup.

Family, friends and indeed a bumper crowd of Saints supporters are expected down for the 7pm kick-off.

“It is a fantastic opportunity,” Klimionek says with a smile. "There will be a lot of eyes on the game.

“It is important we don’t let that get to us. We need to think of it as another game and play how we have all season.

“A lot of family and friends will be coming to the match.

“It is obviously a massive occasion and you might never get the chance to play in a Scottish Cup semi-final again.

“Celebrating with family and friends after the game is what everyone wants.

“But you try to zone the crowd out. When the first whistle goes you are focused inside the four lines.

“Having supporters adds to the occasion but our group has played on the main pitch a few times now so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

One such occasion was last year when Klimionek and Co lifted the CAS Cup thanks to a penalty shootout win against Motherwell and, since then, the team has become a growing and formidable force.

“We had a strong run in the league this season and went 13 unbeaten,” Klimionek recalls.

“We have been strong in a couple of competitions and we’re building confidence with every game.

“Listen, we know Celtic is going to be a tough test. They are usually