Celtic 'would be in history books forever' - Alonso
Scottish Women's Cup: Celtic aim for historic achievement when they take on Hearts in Sunday's semi-final
Winning the Biffa Scottish Women’s Cup would be an “unbelievable achievement” says Fran Alonso as the Celtic boss targets an historic cup double.
Celtic face Hearts in Sunday’s semi-final at the Falkirk stadium as they chase their second piece of silverware of the season after already defeating Glasgow City 1-0 to become SWPL Cup winners in December.
That success was the Hoops first trophy since 2010 and now Alonso knows his side could write themselves into the Parkhead history books.
“It would mean the world,” Alonso told Anyone’s Game.
“Just think about it, in one season we could win twice as many trophies as we have done in our entire history.
“So that would be an unbelievable achievement. We have never done it. It would be historic and all our players names would be in the history books forever.
“You have to say that would be something incredible when it’s only our second year as professionals.”
Celtic have already knocked out Rangers and Aberdeen during their cup run, but will take nothing for granted against Hearts, with the prospect of a final against Partick Thistle or Glasgow City on 29 May awaiting the winners.
“It’s going to be very difficult,” added the Spaniard.
“There’s still two games to go. Two very tough games regardless of if we do win in the semi-final, whoever we are playing in the final will be another tough game.
“The most important thing for now is trying to get into that final and for that we have to beat a top side who have improved massively from last year.”
Hearts ‘should play at Tynecastle more often’
Eva Olid is relishing the chance of Hearts making the Scottish Women’s Cup final at Tynecastle and even believes her side should play there more often.
Olid insists after getting a taste of what it’s like to walk out at Tynecastle in front of 3,508 fans against city rivals Hibernian in December, her side are hungry for more.
“The derby, we had a great support and it was amazing to play here,” said Olid. “I think that we should play here more as we can receive more fans watching our games.
“It’s another smaller step I think we could be doing in women’s football. I hope that next season that we can play more games here.”
Hearts will be big underdogs when they face SWPL Cup winners Celtic at the Falkirk Stadium. But Olid has told her young team to embrace the occasion the same way she has as boss almost a year on from taking over from Andy Kirk.
“I am enjoying it so much,” added the former Houston Dynamo head coach.
“I hope that next season we can get some experienced players to join this young team and for me the perfect combination. Imagine that more than 50% of my team are 17-years-old. This is crazy.
“Now playing in the first division against top teams but I think we are competing and the progress of these players has been amazing.
“For me the most important thing for these players, in this semi-final is they enjoy. It is a special moment and I hope they can give their best.”