The Celtic midfielder could make the difference in the cup clash with Rangers.
Not for the first time this season, Celtic were expected to put Rangers to the sword when the two teams met in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.
But the Bhoys were in for a shock, as the Gers played their hearts out and secured a point with a late Clint Hill equaliser.
It was a performance that would have given Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers plenty to think about, not least because the two sides clash again in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup next month.
With just under six weeks to prepare for that clash, the Bhoys boss will be wise to do everything in his power to get recent addition Eboue Kouassi up to speed; after all, his power and ability in the centre of the park is exactly what is needed to overcome a Rangers side that will be boosted by the arrival of new manager Pedro Caixinha.
The Portuguese will be desperate to win his first match against Celtic and Kouassi is exactly the type of player to burst his bubble.
The 19-year-old showed in his brief cameo against St Mirren that he takes no prisoners and his physicality would allow Celtic to win the midfield battle against their fierce rivals.
Nir Bitton was not good enough last weekend and if Kouassi can get enough minutes under his belt between now and 23 April, Celtic could have a secret weapon that fires them into the final.
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