ST JOHNSTONE left Hampden on Saturday evening nursing a grievance about Celtic's first-half penalty. But Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is adamant it was a spot-kick.

The Dutchman, who took his tally to 15 for the season, felt he was touched by Saints keeper Kevin Cuthbert and had no remorse about the incident.

While the striker did appear to go to ground quickly, Cuthbert showed his naivety by diving in and Vennegoor took full advantage. "I stood up quickly to go after the ball, but the referee had already blown for a penalty," he said.

"It was very tight because it came off the post and then went in, but I was just happy that it went in.

"I definitely thought it was a penalty because the keeper came out of goal and wanted to nick the ball before I got my foot to it. But I got there and he touched me," added the double scorer.

While Vennegoor isn't a particularly superstitious player, he revealed he was glad he didn't have any contact with the Scottish Cup before the game. He said. "It was a hard game and we didn't play to our best, but the most important thing was to win the game and get into the final.

"Last Friday I didn't want to touch the trophy when it was out on the pitch and I was glad I never as I touched the CIS Cup and we lost to Falkirk. I just wanted to get to the final.

"St Johnstone made it hard for us so all credit to them, but it's all about winning. It's a semi-final, so I wasn't surprised they caused us problems.

"They did a great job, defended well and put us under pressure. So they deserve credit, but we're in the final - and that's all that matters."