KEEPER ROOS HAMPDEN VISITS

“Our focus has always been on ourselves. I made that point to the players,” said Rodgers. “Irrespective of what happens, other results, or the way it goes for other teams, we can only do our work.

“Because you can’t soften up especially at this time just because another team might have drawn or lost. That’s irrelevant. You have to perform and get the result. If you come off it against teams who are motivated and organised, then they can give you a problem.

“So for us, we have to continually focus on our own performance — irrespective of what happens elsewhere because we have to create our story.

“And for that we have to work at it.

KELLE ROOS wanted to throw his medal away on his last visit to Hampden.

Now he hopes he can take a step on the road to redemption when Aberdeen take on Celtic in today’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

The keeper picked up a runner-up gong along with his Dons team mates from December’s Scottish League Cup final. The fact they ended up losing 1-0

Rangers meant the medal holds no significance for Roos.

He isn’t even sure where it is, but thinks his dad may have salvaged it.

The disappointment from that day is set to fuel him and his Dons pals, as they look to make a happier return to the national stadium against Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops.

“I don’t know where the medal is. My dad probably has it,” said the Dutchman (right).

“He’s probably stored it away somewhere. I thought about throwing it away but knew my Dad wouldn’t have wanted that. He is back in Holland.”

Roos has one Hampden victory to his name – this season’s Viaplay Cup semi-final win over Hibs.

He knows why everyone wants to play at the national stadium but admitted it is only a good day if you come out on top, as he recalls from last season’s Viaplay semi-final and this season’s Viaplay Cup final defeats, both to Rangers.

Result

Roos, 31, added: “Hampden is a lovely place if you win but if you don’t it isn’t nice. We are going to go

Meanwhile, Gers fans were left scooping up the mess after slip-ups at Ross County and Dundee.

Taylor caught up with old Celtic pal Ryan Christie and he admitted it was great to get away from the Premiership pressure cooker along with his pooch.

But he’s now straining at the leash to get out at Hampden for today’s Scottish Cup semi with Aberdeen.

Taylor said: “It’s been nice and relaxed. I managed to see Mr Christie for a catch up and that was good.

“Alastair and Cameron were out too, the furry friends are always there for you — the tails are always wagging, no matter the results! The dog-walking is something I enjoy. It gets you away from it all but the focus is very much on the run-in.” there to try and get a result. It will be a great day if we do.”

Roos says the Dons squad will be better for that experience of losing the final to Rangers.

He said: “We have a young squad and some of the players hadn’t been there until that day. These things help you learn, to know what works for you as a player and allows you to perform in these big stages.”