Can you give us an update on your squad and specifically Aaron Ramsey?

After the semi-final against Celtic where Aaron had to come off unfortunately with a hamstring problem, we had assessed him this week and hopefully we’ll have him back around the Leipzig home game. We also had a problem with Kemar Roofe after the game. The next day he felt his knee so he will be out for some weeks and hopefully also back for me to pick around the Leipzig home game.

It limits your striking options somewhat?

Yeah. Of course, with Morelos already out and now Kemar out for a couple of weeks, we have less options up front but, as always, we just have to go on and make sure we embrace the challenge but I think the atmosphere in the group is good. We have to make sure we pick the best team for every game but we are very positive although we have some injuries added to the list. I think the players who are available are capable and know the task which is ahead of us.

Is this going to be a big opportunity for Fashion Sakala?

Yeah, of course. I think he played well in that position in the last couple of games. We have limited options up front but eventually, other players have to stand up and are given more time to play. That’s why you have a big squad for moments like this when players are not available, other players have to step up and show their quality as well.

Do you think VAR coming to Scottish football is a positive?

I’m a big fan of VAR because I think it will help the referees in their decisions. I’m really happy it’s coming to the league after the World Cup. I think after that it’ll be much easier for referees to make the right decisions in difficult moments so I’m very positive about VAR coming.

Can you give us an update on Alex Lowry’s contract situation?

Alex is one of the big talents we have coming through from the Academy and we are in talks for him to sign a new contract because I think he will be an important player for the future of this club. Talks are in process so hopefully, we will have positive news in the coming weeks.

How much added confidence has the past week given you and the players?

It’s a huge boost for us. It was positive for us to win the semi-final and to be in the final of the cup this year. That will be the last game of the season where we can win a trophy so, for us, that is very good. A win is always positive for morale. It was a good week for us so we were able to rest this week and to be playing almost twice a week for the whole season is very demanding for all of us but we’re looking forward to the last weeks of the season with so many important games.

How happy are you that the Motherwell game was brought forward?

I’m very happy about it. Everyone involved in getting the game pushed forward to tomorrow, Motherwell, the SFA and the Police as well. It’s good for all of us and gives us more time to prepare for the Leipzig game on Thursday. I’m very grateful for all the decisions which are made but I think it’s for every club. If any club in Scotland is involved in Europe I think we all have to do the same and make sure all the teams get the best preparation for big games in Europe.

You said you only had half a session ahead of the semi-final but the way they played must have pleased you given the way they implemented the plan?

It was half a session on the pitch but there are more ways to prepare a team, also with video. It’s a short period but I think we prepared the players well. They prepared themselves really well too, particularly mentally which is such a big factor when you have so many big games in such a short period. I’m really happy with the preparation last week and we just have to do the same for all the games that are coming up.

How much is fitness a focus for you for your coaching team to really hone those levels?

It's always important. You have to assess the players almost every day how they feel because you know when you pick your team there are many factors you weigh up in your squad, in your team selection. It can be games ahead, it can be the fitness, it can be a mental state. So, for us, it's very important to keep the players fresh and to keep them as optimal for the games which they play. That's not only for this week, it's for the whole season. We get the same this week and you know we're going to pick the best team for tomorrow. It seems after a big Rangers result, those are there's an undermining of the referees in the linesmen.

Do you think that's starting to reach the pitch where it's actually starting to have a negative effect on the game in Scotland?

Well, it’s a big game. You know there are many big decisions to be made in the game and that will always be a talking point and not only here, but I think you can see it everywhere and also in the big leagues. But I think that's why VAR is important because it takes away some of the decisions that are made to help the referees, but I think it shows also how important the game is, especially when you play in Europe or big games against Celtic in the league or in the cup competitions. I think they always have to be respected for, everyone involved in the game. You know, the players, the referees. So I think it's it's also football. Football is emotions. People like to talk about the game but I think to have respect for one another, for the decisions were made, I think that's the most important thing when you when you talk about it in, in papers or in pubs or whatever. But it's also a part of football, you know, talking about it, because everyone can be a manager, everyone can be a referee and talking about situations, about squad selections and different talking points of the game. That's also I think the beauty of football. We don't have to take that away because it's a big part. But we have to show respect when we talk about those issues.

John Lundstram has obviously had rave reviews after his performance at the weekend. Have you got in your head, ideally in terms of team selection, where you would want John to play?

Where? Well, I’m the coach, I will put him in the place I want! I mean, he's a I think he's, uh, his development and his role this season became better and stronger performances. I'm very happy with him. Midfield is a department, where we have a lot of quality players. I can pick a lot of players for those positions. I have all the players fit in midfield so I can pick different midfield combinations, but you know I'm happy with John's performances. I'm also happy for Steven Davis that he’s back in top form after a difficult spell. I think the games with Northern Ireland, the games against St Mirren and also the Celtic game really helped him to be at his best. So yeah, I'm really happy with both of them.