It’s a showpiece occasion so seize the moment and put on a show. That was the message from Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, ahead of today’s Betfred Cup final at Hampden.
While the shimmering stars of Barcelona put Celtic’s gas at a peep in the Champions League the other night, the Glasgow giants continue to exert a tyrannical rule over domestic affairs and are the favourites to gobble up the first piece of silverware on offer this season.
McInnes knows all about Celtic and cup finals, of course. In 1999, he played a pivotal role in the Scottish Cup final as Rangers beat their old foes by a single goal. Six years later, McInnes was back at the national stadium in Dundee United colours but it was Martin O’Neill’s Celtic who claimed the spoils with a 1-0 win.
Read more: McLean looking to play more than a bit part role on Hampden stage for Aberdeen
The score line from those two encounters may have been identical but, for McInnes, that’s where the similarities ended.
"If I think back to that game (with Rangers) there was just an overwhelming confidence going into that one,” he reflected. "We felt we were good enough to win but I remember going to Hampden when I was with Dundee United to play Martin's Celtic team and we lost 1-0. I never ever felt that there was that same confidence in the dressing room that time.”
When McInnes sends his Aberdeen troops into battle, he will urge them to be bold, brave and display the courage of their convictions. The big Hampden pitch on cup final day is not a place for the timorous, after all.
Read more: McLean looking to play more than a bit part role on Hampden stage for Aberdeen
“For me it is all about really backing yourself in the game and if there is any opportunity to be positive, whether it's a pass or a positive bit of play in the final third, then I would encourage every one of them to take that option and be positive,” added McInnes. “Don't be restricted or quiet or hampered in any way. Be what you are, play the way you train and be as confident as you can be.
“Two seasons ago we didn’t get close to Celtic because they beat us four times in the league. That was the question mark hanging over us. Last season was totally different because we planted the seed of doubt by beating them here.
“It’s a challenge for the players, to overcome a tough opponent whose strengths and capabilities we recognise. But I feel there is a confidence in the team. Not an over-confidence, not a complacency. I think we’ve just pitched it at the right level.”
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