David Bates could be fit to face Celtic in Scottish Cup semi-final

David Bates could be back fit in time to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Graeme Murty confirmed that there was no break in the defender’s awkward injury sustained during Sunday’s Old Firm defeat, and a scan will reveal whether he sustained any ligament damage.

If you’d told us that we’d be sweating on the fitness of the Ginger Ramos earlier in the season as a Hampden semi approached, we probably wouldn’t have believed you. But Bates has had an excellent season and firmly established himself as arguably the first-choice defender at the club, or at least a close second behind Russell Martin.

Speaking of which, Martin is also struggling with injury, but is likely to also be back in the frame. With neither Bruno Alves or Fabio Cardoso covering themselves in glory on Sunday, the availability of the pair could be a huge determining factor in which way the semi-final - and as a result, effectively this whole season - goes.