FORMER Motherwell and Celtic captain Tom Boyd believes the Lanarkshire side have a chance of upsetting the Betfred Cup final odds if they show the belief that carried his team forward in 1991.

As a Celtic ambassador and boyhood fan, Boyd is backing the holders to retain the trophy on Sunday, but the former Scotland defender expects Motherwell to be organised and pose a threat.

Motherwell scored 20 goals on their way to the final, edging out Ross County with 10 men before keeping clean sheets against Aberdeen and Rangers.

Boyd felt the same kind of momentum when Motherwell knocked out Aberdeen and Celtic before beating favourites Dundee United in a classic Scottish Cup final 26 years ago.

“When you go back to the first game when we went to Aberdeen and knocked out the holders, that gave us belief,” he said.

“I was maybe a wee bit tongue in cheek, but that’s what I said, if we are going to win it we will need to beat this team. And we duly did.

“And the Celtic game was excellent. Dundee United had a terrible record in the final too so there were a lot of things we could believe in.

“I just had belief. You have to go in with confidence, and I’m sure the Motherwell supporters will be sceptical, but certainly they will think they can do it, they have beaten big teams in the past.

“Celtic will be a different kettle of fish with the quality they have got, not just in the first 11 but in the whole squad.

“It’s a major ask with Celtic unbeaten in 64 (domestic) games and under a great manager in Brendan Rodgers.

“To show that level of consistency ever since Brendan came in has been phenomenal.

“He has made a few changes when things don’t quite go according to plan and has still managed to be undefeated. That’s an absolutely stunning achievement.

“So it’s a lot harder opposition than we had to play, but I would hope that it will be remembered as a decent game and both teams go for it.

“Motherwell had a good victory against Aberdeen and someone Celtic need to watch is Louis Moult, he’s on top form just now.

“They are certainly showing a lot of determination and consistency to get to where they are.”

Boyd is also hoping for a fitting showpiece to remember his former team-mate, Phil O’Donnell, who died 10 years ago.

O’Donnell’s family will be special guests and his youngest son, 14-year-old Luc, will parade the trophy before kick-off.

“It’s a magnificent honour for Phil, someone who was a great servant to the game and both clubs,” Boyd said. “He is held in high esteem and it’s a nice way to remember someone of that ilk.

“He was the perfect professional on and off the park and he should be admired by youngsters coming through the game today.”

l Tom Boyd was speaking as the SPFL Trust launched Superdraw, powered by Phoenix Hyundai. One supporter will win a new Hyundai i10 at Sunday’s Betfred Cup final. Tickets are on sale around Hampden Park before kick-off, priced at £2 (over 16s).