Shinnie hungers for Granite Mile parade

“Amount of Dons supporters was incredible”

Aberdeen defender Graeme Shinnie is determined to savour cup success with his hometown club.

Shinnie captained Caley Thistle to Scottish Cup success in 2015, lifting the trophy after a 2-1 win against Falkirk at Hampden last May in his final game before departing for Pittodrie.

The 25-year-old was on the losing side with Inverness the previous year when the Highlanders were defeated by the Dons on penalties in the League Cup final at Parkhead and looked on as tens of thousands of supporters gathered to see the trophy being paraded through the centre of the Granite City.

Shinnie is eager to be part of the celebrations and is determined to help Derek McInnes’ side reach another cup final by defeating Morton in today’s Betfred Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Shinnie said: “My memories of the 2014 final are that it was not a great game. Both teams stood off a bit too much and there were very few chances.

“When it went to penalties it was not to be for Inverness. It was a great day, though, for Aberdeen and for the supporters, who were at the game in huge numbers.

“Even as an Inverness player, it was incredible to see the amount of supporters the Dons had behind them at Parkhead and to then see the parade down Union Street was something else.

“That is something I want to experience. Here’s hoping I can.”