Bannigan targets dream date at Hampden after Bayview revenge
PARTICK THISTLE captain Stuart Bannigan is dreaming of leading his side out at Hampden after the Jags booked their place in the last eight of the Scottish Cup with the win over East Fife at the weekend.
Bannigan, who came through the ranks at Firhill, knows how much an appearance at the national stadium would mean to the club and the supporters, particularly after a traumatic last 18 months for everyone involved with Thistle.
To get there, they will have to overcome Ladbrokes Premiership outfit Hearts at Firhill after landing them in the quarter-final draw last night, but Bannigan is full of belief that at this stage of the competition, anything can happen.
“It would be unbelievable to lead Thistle out at Hampden,” Bannigan said. “The last time we were there was way back in 2002, so there are a whole new generation of Thistle fans that probably haven’t seen us at the national stadium in a major competition.
“We have given ourselves a massive chance and being at the latter stages of the cup just gives the whole club a great feeling.
“When it gets to this stage, you have to believe that you can do something, and you have a chance on the day, no matter who you face.
“We’re delighted to be in the last eight. It was always going to be a tough game at East Fife, but the conditions made it even tougher for us with the wind, so we were just happy to get the win and get into the next round.
“We just had to dig it out. We are a much different side to the one that were beaten at Bayview earlier this season, not just in terms of personnel, but we’re a tougher nut to crack.
“Even if we aren’t playing so well, we’re seeming to be able to grind out results in the last couple of weeks, and that’s a good sign for us coming into a crucial part of the season.”