The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Jack ring of confidence
Jack’s cup confidence as Aberdeen stand on brink of final say
Ryan Jack has not had his Hampden disappointments to seek but the Aberdeen captain is confident history will count for nothing today. Jack’s record at the national stadium makes for dismal reading, with the 24-year-old on the receiving end of defeats in all four of his Hampden appearances.
Ryan Jack has not had his Hampden disappointments to seek but the Aberdeen captain is confident history will count for nothing today.
Midfielder Jack’s record at the national stadium makes for dismal reading, with the 24-year-old on the receiving end of defeats in all four of his Hampden appearances.
And, as a 16-year-old in 2008, Jack was part of the Dons youth team that looked on as Jimmy Calderwood’s Reds lost 4-3 to First Division Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup.
Jack could be forgiven for dreading a return to the south side of Glasgow but the Aberdeenborn player, who has returned to the squad following a two-month absence with a knee injury, is eager to create better memories in today’s Betfred Cup semi-final against Morton.
Jack said: “I’m well aware of the poor record at Hampden because I’ve played in a few and not won. I’m hoping to change that and put it to bed.
“I’ve played four games – Dundee United, Hibs and twice against Celtic – and lost them all. I analyse the games at the time but I don’t think too much about why I haven’t managed to win there. I was also part of the youth team and we went to the Queen of the South semi-final, which was another bad experience. But I don’t dread going to Hampden. It’s something different from the same stadiums in the league. It’s been mentioned that Queen of the South was our last game at Hampden against lower-league opposition, but times have changed.
“It’s different players and coaching staff now. I’ve spoken to the players and no one is thinking about anything other than a positive result. Hampden has a special feeling to it and I can’t wait for this match to be involved with the squad again and back at Hampden. We can put our poor record to bed.”
Jack, pictured, was part of the Dons side that ended the club’s 19-year wait for silverware by winning the League Cup in 2014 after a penalty shootout win against Caley Thistle at Parkhead and the former Scotland under-21 captain says that has only heightened the desire for more trophies. He added: “When players are young they are fearless and don’t realise the demands on them. But since we won the League Cup two years ago I’m aware there is a hunger for more from the supporters and we want that as players. We have the squad to get to a final.”