Hayes hopes a final flourish will soothe the pain of missing out on league glory

CAITLIN HAYES is hoping tears turn to cheers tomorrow as Celtic take on Rangers in the first women’s Scottish Cup final to be held at Hampden. The defender wept last Sunday at Celtic Park as Fran Alonso’s side narrowly missed out on an inaugural title to Glasgow City in a dramatic conclusion to the SWPL, shunning all attempts at consolation from team-mates and coaches. The comfort of a Champions League place will ensure their efforts were not in vain, with Hayes revealing an interesting debate that took place in the Celtic dressing room this week. ‘We had a conversation — and I won’t reveal everyone’s opinion — but mine was that I would have picked Champions League football over winning a Cup,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t ever turn down a Cup and you can be assured that I will give blood, sweat and tears so that we win on Sunday, but there were a few different perspectives on it — it was divided to say the least. ‘Winning the Cup that could heal wounds from last Sunday, to be able to have a celebration, so we will put everything into it.’ Hayes has also revealed the sacrifices behind the numbers that have made her the fastest centre-back in the SWPL this season. The PFA Player of the Year has been a big-game performer for Alonso’s side this term after pledging last summer that there would be no stone left unturned as she looked to get into the best shape of her life. That meant 5am training sprints round a local park, while the temptations of booze and fast food have been ignored. ‘I eat less and train more!’ she said. ‘I have worked hard. I have a guy called Tim Tack who gets me up at 5am and that is what I do. We are out on a pitch with no lights and dodging the dog poo — there is not a thing that is glamorous about it. ‘But he says that if I turn up to every session, then I am the only one who can hold myself back. I do it every single day of summer. ‘I allow myself a week off where I eat what I want and do nothing, then that is it. I am up in the morning again and training every day… and no alcohol either! ‘I eat protein meals that are sent to me. They weigh me and sort out how much protein I need and how many carbs I need for certain days. ‘If I have been really good and trained hard, I will allow myself a Chinese on a Sunday — but not every Sunday! ‘I felt I needed to go for it properly. We fell short this time, so wait until you see me next season.’