Image Credits: Imago Images
Scottish football witnessed one of the biggest upsets of the season on Sunday afternoon when St Mirren stunned Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park to clinch the Scottish League Cup.
The result proved even more remarkable given Celtic’s recent dominance in the competition, having won the trophy in each of the last seven finals they had reached. But perhaps the most intriguing subplot for Liverpool fans was the presence of a familiar name between the sticks for the victorious Paisley side
Indeed, man guarding St Mirren’s goal was Shamal George, a 27-year-old goalkeeper who came through the Reds’ academy system under Jurgen Klopp. George delivered a composed, big‑game performance at Hampden, producing a crucial low stop from Kelechi Iheanacho’s close‑range header at 1-0 and later beating away a fierce drive from Col Donovan to snuff out any hope of a late Celtic fightback.
George’s most memorable moment in Liverpool colours came in the most unlikely circumstances. During a pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town in 2016, Klopp faced an extraordinary dilemma.
With all outfield substitutes used and midfielder Lucas Leiva succumbing to a hamstring injury in the second half, Klopp initially prepared to play with ten men.
Instead, for the final 23 minutes of the match, the 18-year-old goalkeeper was deployed as a makeshift striker.
Sunday’s triumph at Hampden represented the pinnacle of George’s career to date, as he helped secure St Mirren’s fifth major trophy in their history.
Speaking to Premier Sports TV after the game, George said:
“Surreal, we had a tough few weeks in the league, but I’m buzzing. I got my family up here, my mom and dad.”
“They made a long travel done this morning and I’m glad we can put on a great show for them… can’t really sum it up at the moment.”
“I haven’t played for probably a year and half, so I want to say thanks to the gaffer. He trusted me to bring me in, and I hope I’m repaying him with the faith he put in me.”
Following his release from Liverpool at the end of the 2019-20 season, George embarked on a journeyman career that took him through Colchester United, where he was named Player of the Year for the 2021-22 campaign, and Livingston in the Scottish Premiership. This summer, he joined Wycombe Wanderers before returning to Scotland on a season-long loan to St Mirren.
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🏁@saintmirrenfc goalkeeper Shamal George reflects after winning the #PremierSportsCup against Celtic
“I want to dedicate it to my Grandad.” 🗣️@spfl pic.twitter.com/vptqMd5W8V
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 14, 2025
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