Shamal dedicates his cup final victory to beloved Bill

Shamal George has dedicated St Mirren's League Cup success to his late grandad.

- COLIN PATERSON

The talented keeper was overwhelmed with emotion after helping his Buddies beat Celtic 3-1 at Hampden on Sunday.

George recently told how much-loved grandfather Bill had passed away on November 7.

And he attended his funeral just hours before bravely playing in Saints 3-3 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The 27-year-old had his family among the 13,500 black-and-white army at the national stadium with mum Kerry watching on after getting the all clear from breast cancer.

It has been a turbulent time for George and those closest to him and there were a few tears when he found a quiet moment amid the post-match celebrations at Hampden.

"It's been a tough time lately," he said. "I was with my family in the crowd at full-time but, at the end, I got emotional on my own.