Miguel Freckleton knows how to beat Celtic - and he’s aiming to do it again in the Champions League Former St Mirren defender Miguel Freckleton is preparing to face Celtic once more, this time in the Champions League play-off with LASK. The 23-year-old played a key role in St Mirren’s shock 2026 Premier Sports Cup final win over Celtic before moving to Austria last month. League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 10th in Premiership, 30 pts, 7W-9D-17L from 33 games, recent form WDDWL. ## What happened in the cup final? Freckleton recalls Celtic’s struggles under Wilfried Nancy during last season’s cup final. “They were going through a difficult spell,” he told the Daily Record. “St Mirren wanted it more that day.” The Saints stunned Celtic 1-0 at Hampden, but Freckleton also experienced the Hoops’ dominance later that season when Martin O’Neill’s side thrashed St Mirren 6-2 in the Scottish Cup semi-final. ## Why this Champions League tie matters Now with LASK, Freckleton faces Celtic again, but he expects a different challenge. “Both teams will want it just as badly,” he said. “Celtic are desperate to get back into the Champions League, and so are we.” Recent form (last 5): 2W-3D-0L (WWDDD, most recent first); on a 2-game winning run. ## What’s next for Freckleton? The defender dreams of playing in the Champions League proper. “Progressing in this tie would mean everything,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play in the Champions League.” Freckleton’s move to LASK came after a standout season with St Mirren, where he helped the club finish 10th in the Premiership with 30 points. Now, he’s set for a reunion with his old rivals in Europe’s elite competition.