Livingston v Celtic: Big ask to humble Hoops but with a bit of luck we can, says Martindale

David Martindale admits his dream of taking Livingston to Hampden is a “big ask” with Celtic standing between them and a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

But he reckons Motherwell stunning Rangers at Ibrox in the league last week shows Glasgow’s big two can be toppled in their own backyard - with a little bit of luck.

The Lions travel to Glasgow’s East End on a dismal run of form that has them rock bottom of the Premiership and staring at relegation.

Few folk will give Martindale’s men a chance of causing an upset in their first Scottish Cup quarter-final since 2005.

However, Motherwell’s 2-1 win in Govan - the Steelmen’s first success there in the league for 27 years - last Saturday shows stranger things have happened.

Boss Martindale, who hopes to take the Lions to the national stadium for the first time since their League Cup final defeat to St Johnstone in 2021, said: “I want to take the club back to Hampden and get the fans back to Hampden.

“We still have a chance to do that but it is a big ask.

“On the day, we need a bit of luck, we need to be at the top of our game and we need Celtic to be a wee bit off their game.

“I will be honest and say this is the first year where I’ve felt that is the kind of tie I didn’t want.

“Most years, you look at it and want the Old Firm. The powers that be at the club are absolutely delighted with the draw because it will help us out financially.

“I would have taken anybody at home, but Celtic away is disappointing.

“Of course, you have a chance of winning the game but the probabilities of you winning when you go to Parkhead or Ibrox are stacked against you.

“I’m not saying it can’t be done. Look at Motherwell going to Rangers last week.

“But if you put that into