Predictions
Fergie can inspire his old team to silverware
ANTHONY HAGGERTY
CELTIC are back in their domestic groove which is ominous for the Reds. The Hoops will take a step closer to the triple Treble with Hampden specialist James Forrest prominent and a repeat of the result from two years ago could be on the cards. FROM BACK PAGE domestic trophy available since taking over at Parkhead and has won 10 of his 11 meetings with McInnes going into Sunday’s showdown.
But the Aberdeen gaffer wants his stars to forget about their past record and win the cup against all the odds, using Sir Alex’s words as inspiration.
Ferguson won 10 major trophies during his time at Pittodrie but it took him until his final full season to win the League Cup when they defeated Hibs 3-0 in the 1985 final.
And McInnes said: “I always remember what Sir Alex said to me after we lost 3-0 (in the 2016 League Cup Final).
“He said that it’s only by revisiting surroundings that players start to feel at home and capable of delivering a performance.
“He said he had umpteen internationals and players with hundreds of top-flight games under their belt that didn’t turn up for a final.
“But by revisiting them you get more familiar with your surroundings. It’s good that as a club we feel we belong at Hampden.”
McInnes is set to name his starting XI this morning with 24 hours until the big kick-off and he admits telling some of his squad they have failed to make the cut will be one of his hardest jobs.
As a Rangers player, he was left out of the 1996 League Cup Final despite playing a key role in previous rounds. And he said: “I try to put myself in the players’ shoes, especially when it comes to cup finals and big games.
“I had scored in the quarter-final and the semifinal but was left out of that final. So I know how it felt.
“Even picking a bench if everybody is fit will be tough. Everyone wants to play in a final. We will go down to the hotel and the team will be named on Saturday morning.”