At Hampden last year Callum Morris played a key role in providing the last truly happy memory for those associated with Dundee United and after the dramatic departure of his regular centre back partner of recent weeks he cannot avoid having added responsibility for improving the mood surrounding the club.
The 26-year-old was obviously not going to be drawn into discussing Gavin Gunning’s departure which has invited speculation that it was related to his interaction with his own team’s supporters as he left the field during Saturday’s meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
However he seemed particularly keen to express the squad’s gratitude for the backing they have received during tough times of late.
“I think it has been tough for everyone, players and fans alike,” he said.
“Saturday gives us a chance to give something back to the supporters.
“There will be big travelling supports from both sides and there should be a good atmosphere.
“If we can get to another final and give the fans a day out to enjoy then that will be great.
“They have been there for us all season and have followed us to away games.
“We are really grateful for that support and I feel the fans will be looking for us to show them what we are capable of doing.”
As they seek to do so their form could hardly be more different to that of a year past January when they contested their last Hampden semi-final and produced a fine comeback win against Aberdeen, with Morris scoring a headed equaliser which allowed Nadir Ciftci to earn their place in the League Cup final which they would go on to lose to Celtic.
“That was a brilliant day,” he recalled.
“The situation then was completely different to the one we find ourselves in this season. Still, it was another big game against another big team.
“Getting a goal was great and I would love to pinch another goal this time. It was a great occasion and brilliant to score right in front of our fans. It was nice to celebrate with them and then know at the end that we had taken them to another cup final.
“We are looking to repeat that this Saturday, 100% that’s the case. If we can get back to another final that will be three in quick succession for the club. I think it about time we lifted a trophy and that’s our aim.
“That final against Celtic was my first and only one so far so I would like to go that one step further and pick up a cup.”
For all the problems United have going into this match they know, too, that their opponents are rocking, not least after Hibs’ failure to secure a win when 2-0 up with nine minutes to go, at home against Falkirk in the Championship on Tuesday.
“We will go into Saturday’s match knowing there is a lot at stake but it’s 11 versus 11 and we are playing a team who are struggling for form as well,” said Morris.
“It is probably a nice break from the league for both teams.”
In saying so, just as there is belief that United have the calibre of players who can turn things around, so there is awareness that those he and his fellow defenders are facing, have the capacity to be among the most potent in the Scottish game.
“They can be dangerous and have good attackers, for example Jason Cummings,” said Morris.
“However, you want to play against good players and it is a big, expansive pitch at Hampden.
“You want to test yourself as a player and I’m looking forward to it.”
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