What to watch out for in Women’s Scottish Cup semis

Four semi-finalists, three searching for their first taste of Scottish Cup glory, two making their Hampden debuts and one prize to play for.

There's plenty to look out for this weekend in the the Women's Scottish Cup semi-finals, the first of which - Rangers v Celtic - is live on BBC One Scotland.

It is a repeat of last season's showpiece final, when Celtic secured back-to-back successes in the competition.

Whoever is victorious will meet the winner of Sunday's tussle between Spartans and Hearts, and will be big favourites for the final on 26 May.

But no one dare utter that date with destiny yet, since there's a gigantic hurdle to hop first.

With so much at stake, BBC Sport Scotland delves into the potentially decisive details.

With a combined 294 goals scored across domestic competitions this season, it's fair to say Rangers and Celtic's shooting boots are well worn in.

When Jo Potter was announced as Rangers head coach, there was an expectation the former England international would lure some of her compatriots north of the border.

Her second signing, Rio Hardy - who she previously worked with at Coventry United - has been among the best of the bunch. And there has been a few.

With 28 goals to her name - two against Celtic - and a place in the PFA Scotland team of the year, she has quickly found her feet in the Scottish game.

As has 17-year-old Mia McAulay. While the academy graduate was not a new signing, she has been one of the many triumphs from Potter's first season in charge.

Despite her young age, she is made for the big occasions. With a crucial goal already against their rivals - to earn a 1-1 at Ibrox - and a stunning strike in the League Cup final Rangers won, there is little chance the national stadium will spook her.

There are likely to be more smiles than spooks from Tash Flint too as she returns to Hampden.

Celtic's star striker has two goals in two games at the famous ground and has picked up exactly where she left off since returning to Glasgow's east end on loan earlier this season.

Since rejoining in January, she has found the net eight times - including three against Rangers. But the Liverpool loanee is more than just goals. She has rekindled relationships from her successful spell last term and that has allowed arguably Celtic's star player this campaign to shift back into her best position.

Amy Gallacher has 46 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 32 appearances this season. And she's not even an out-and-out number nine.

The 25-year-old was recognised earlier in the season with her first Scotland cap after years of clamour for her inclusion from the stands.

Her role in recent weeks has been pivotal to Celtic leaping into top spot in the league and Rangers will know if they want revenge for last year's final disappointment, stopping Gallacher will be key.

When Spartans and Hearts make their way across the M8, it will be to play at Hampden for the first time.

Both Edinburgh sides will be hoping for a swift return.

Spartans are the only part-time team standing, but do have previous in the competition, although haven't reached the final since 2014. That was under the guidance of Debbi McCulloch, who was replaced in January by Jack Beesley.

Captain Alanna Marshall and veteran Louise Mason are survivors from that side, but it's the young guns in the Spartans ranks that have been spearheading their quest for league survival.

Hannah Jordan, 19, has six goals and three assists in the SWPL and has been the heartbeat of the midfield in a breakout season.

Her eye for a pass has been praised and the big Hampden pitch may just be the ideal place to thread a ball or two.

History and Hearts are going hand-in-hand this month. Less than two weeks ago, Eva Olid's side recorded their first win against one of the 'big three' (Glasgow City, Rangers and Celtic), when they beat the Light Blues 1-0.

They are established as the fourth force but a trophy in the cabinet would really highlight the progress the Spaniard has made, bearing in mind Hearts finished bottom of the table in 2021.

Recruitment has been remarkable during her three years in charge.

Snatching Katie Lockwood from city rivals Hibernian has proven a steal, while the astute addition of goalkeeper Rachel Johnstone was underlined in the victory against Rangers.

Scoring against Hearts is not easy. They've only conceded 29 league goals in 27 games, while Spartans have netted just 36 in the same spell.

The Jambos will be favourites to reach a first Scottish Cup final, but many folks know better than to try and predict an afternoon at the national stadium.