Why Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin will be a Scottish Cup Celtic supporter

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Celtic fans will want revenge against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Simo Valakari’s men delayed Celtic’s title-winning party after St Johnstone beat the Bhoys at McDiarmid Park just over ten days ago.

Brendan Rodgers has the opportunity to right that wrong by beating the Perth club at Hampden as the Celtic manager chases another domestic treble this season.

However, it seems that Rodgers won’t be the only SPFL manager wanting Celtic to progress to the final as Jim Goodwin will also want the Hoops to progress to the final.

• READ MORE: Rangers reminded of Scottish Cup humiliation as SFA announce Celtic vs St Johnstone officials

Dundee United’s European bonus if Celtic win the Scottish Cup

For Celtic, beating St Johnstone gives Rodgers the perfect chance to answer any remaining critics of his Celtic return with a treble.

However, for Jim Goodwin, his reasons for wanting Celtic to beat St Johnstone will not entirely be for the reasons many of the Hoops support believe.

If the Hoops progress to the final and win it, then the European spot granted to the winners of the Scottish Cup will be given to the 5th placed team in the Scottish Premiership.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	33	26	3	4	97	22	75	81
2	RangersRangers	33	20	6	7	68	35	33	66
3	HibernianHibernian	33	14	11	8	54	41	13	53
4	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	33	14	8	11	41	40	1	50
5	AberdeenAberdeen	33	14	8	11	45	49	-4	50

With that place, an automatic place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round will be granted, giving Dundee United the potential to earn a minimum of £450,000 from the UEFA third-tier competition.

Jim Goodwin explains why Celtic winning the Scottish Cup is important for Dundee United

Money is king in Scotland and as there is not a lot going around, any extra cash clubs can earn from UEFA will always be welcomed and Jim Goodwin knows that.

Speaking about the potential of being granted that extra European place, Goodwin told The Courier, “We’re aware that fifth place could become European football, with the prize money that brings,” said Goodwin.

“I think that would make a significant difference to the purse strings.

“Dundee United in Scotland is a big draw as it is, when they’re playing in the Scottish Premiership. People recognise the history of the club, the facilities and the fanbase that exists here.

“But competing in European football makes that task of signing good quality players a little bit easier because everybody wants to test themselves at the highest level.”