Focus firmly on ending Hibs’ reign as holders

Aberdeen: Players can take inspiration from Easter Road men

Aberdeen’s players are just as keen as their fans to bring the William Hill Scottish Cup back to Pittodrie, according to goalkeeper Joe Lewis.

The Pittodrie club last won the competition in 1990, when they beat Celtic in a penalty shoot-out, and since then they have lost two finals to Rangers.

Derek McInnes’ men have the chance to reach another showpiece finale on Saturday when they face Championship winners and holders Hibernian in their last-four clash at Hampden Park.

Lewis recognises the desire for cup success in the Granite City, but stressed the importance of focusing on getting past Hibs.

“I am aware the club have not won the Scottish Cup for a long time,” the 29-year-old told RedTV. “It has been mentioned.

“I know the fans are very eager to do well in this competition and the players and management feel the same way.

“But all we can do is take each game as it comes. We are not even thinking about a potential final yet.

“We are just looking at a semi-final against Hibs and that is our main focus and we will do all we can to get another positive result.”

Lewis and the rest of the Aberdeen players need look no further than their semi-final opponents for inspiration.

The Easter Road club’s 3-2 victory over Rangers in last year’s final meant the trophy was paraded in Leith for the first time in 114 years.

And, although Aberdeen play in a different league to Neil Lennon’s side, the former England under-21 keeper insists they will know all they need to know about them by the weekend.

He said: “The fact we have not played Hibs this season will not be a major issue.

“Our video analyst is brilliant and every game I go into I know the details of the opposition players.

“Greig Thomson has got some awards already for being one of the best around.

“That is a positive and that is part of being at a club like Aberdeen where things are done properly and no stone is left unturned by the management team.

“We will be fully aware of what they do and we will be ready.

“We want to come away with the win and get to the final. That will be our main focus now.”

Picture: SNS. Joe Lewis is well aware of the desire for Scottish Cup success after 27 years.