Cedric Kipre is not keen on revealing his superstitions but the Motherwell ace is hoping Lady Luck will be smiling down on him when the Steelmen return to Hampden for next month’s William Scottish Cup final.

"If Motherwell win the Scottish Cup, I will reveal all my superstitions,” he told probing reporters.

The softly-spoken 21-year-old clearly likes to keep his cards close to his chest – and he probably still wishes Craig Thomson did too when the referee sent the Frenchman off in November’s Betfred Cup Final against Celtic.

At least Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen offers the Ivory Coast cap an opportunity for redemption on the hallowed Hampden turf. "Hopefully I can stay on the pitch for 90 minutes this time,” he added with a sheepish grin.

That contentious red card, when Kipre was adjudged to have fouled Scott Sinclair and Celtic scored a decisive second goal from the resulting penalty, was a sore one to stomach for all concerned with Motherwell.

A chance to have another go at the current cup holders has certainly got the juices flowing and Kipre is relishing the prospect of another showpiece occasion in the national stadium. It’s fair to say two cup final appearances in the space of a few months is more than Kipre anticipated when he signed on the dotted line at Fir Park.

"Everything that has happened at Motherwell this season was not what I was expecting,” he said. “It has turned out much better. I am very proud to play for this club. I did not expect to play every game and reach the final of two cup competitions. It has been amazing.

"It has been a great few weeks for me. I received my first international call-up, I signed my new deal and now I am in the Scottish Cup final. I am a very happy man.