No hedging his bets – Ryan aims to get to Hampden
Ryan Hedges has already been wowed by Wembley.
Now the Aberdeen star wants to be hypnotised by Hampden.
Hedges has been a standout for the Dons since arriving this summer from Barnsley.
However, he endured his first disappointment in midweek as Aberdeen crashed out of Europe.
But the Wales internationalist is determined to bounce back quickly – and help the Reds along the road to Hampden.
“I played against Tottenham for Barnsley in a League Cup tie at Wembley a few years ago and it was amazing,” the 24- year- old said.
“It was the boyhood dream come true.
“I have ticked that off the bucket list, and the next thing on there is to win some silverware.
“It would be nice to get to Hampden as well, to do the double.
“I c ame h e re to win s i l v e r wa re and p l ay in Europe. I have done one part of that, now I want to achieve the rest by winning something for this club.
“Every player wants to win competitions, and I am no different.
“If you look at the history of the club, we haven’t won the amount of trophies we would have wanted in the last few years.
“Hopefully we can change that this season, starting today. That’s all we are looking at.”
The Dons are favourites to win today’s Betfred Cup clash with Dundee.
Wi t h t h at tag comes pressure.
But for Hedges, who is determined to keep showing his worth to his manager and his fans, expectations are a positive.
“The pressure is on us in this game. But that is why I am at this club, for these big games,” said Hedges.
“I want to get to finals and be challenging for honours at the end of the season.
“I’m feeling pretty settled. You want to be in the team and I think that is the best way to settle in at a club.
“We have a good group of players, the fans have been great to me, and I love the city.
“With games coming thick and fast, it is good to show what you can do.
“The manager has had faith in me so far this season. Hopefully that will continue.
“I need to repay the faith he has shown in me and keep performing.
“I wasn’t at my best against Rijeka, so I need to put that right against Dundee.
“The fans have taken to me and I am so grateful. I want to get goals – and assists – to show them why they should have that faith in me.”