Russell Anderson feared his career might be close to over when he returned to Aberdeen just over two years ago, injuries having led to an early end to his stay at Derby County.
Now the 35-year-old defender has his sights set on winning a new contract that would extend his second spell at Pittodrie for a further year, such has been the success of his comeback.
Anderson will become only the fourth Aberdeen captain to lift the League Cup - the last was Stewart McKimmie in 1995 - if his team beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park tomorrow in front of an army of 40,000 fans of the Pittodrie club.
"It's funny, it's usually 40,000 booing you at Parkhead," he joked. "But it will mean a lot to me and an awful lot to people associated with the club, the players who are picked or are on the bench, the supporters, and all those who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. Hopefully they will enjoy the day out."
Anderson's deal is up in the summer and he admitted: "I would love another one but I appreciate that there are an awful lot more important things to think about.
"I wasn't sure how it would pan out coming back from the injury I had or if I was going to be able to get back to any sort of form that would get me a place in the Aberdeen team.
"But that is the best part of two years I have been back and I feel good. When you have been out for a long time it takes a while to get the confidence and the timing back. It is about managing my situation.
"The manager [Derek McInnes] rested me in the last couple of games and, so far, this season has gone better than even I expected."
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