Diamonds are for ever boys
Rhys tells group final will go by in a flash... make it memorable
THE NEW SAINTS v AIRDRIE TOMORROW, 4.15, BBC ALBA
RHYS McCABE admits youthful euphoria robbed him of any memory of his dream Old Firm debut as a teenager.
Now, almost 12 years on from that 3-2 win over Celtic at Ibrox, the former Rangers midfielder is determined to savour every moment of his first cup final as a fledgling manager.
McCabe will become the youngest boss to lift the SPFL Trust Trophy if his Airdrie side can overcome Welsh champions TNS in Falkirk tomorrow.
The 31-year-old has been a revelation since taking over the Diamonds two years ago and guided them back up to the Championship last term before this charge to a final.
He’s desperate to create memories that will last a lifetime for him and his players. McCabe said: “Making that Old Firm debut was a dream come true. But it’s hard to remember the game itself. It passed by so quick.
“That has been a big thing this week. I’ve spoken to the young guys especially to warn them about getting caught up in the moment and the emotion.
“You want to remember it all. It goes by in a flash.
“Hopefully the boys can look back on it and remember everything about it. I hope they can make it a memorable day.”
McCabe can replace Stuart Kettlewell as the youngest winning manager tomorrow but insists it is all about the team, who also sit in the play-off spots.
He said: “It would be a great accolade personally but it’s the start of a journey we’re on here.
“Will this game define us? No, probably not. But if I can collect trophies and fight for promotion then that’s something I would hope to achieve.
“To play in or win a final, you have to take it all in because it’s a rare thing. Hopefully you look back on it as a fond memory.”
McCabe might never have won the competition but a host of his players have.
Charlie Telfer helped Dundee United beat St Mirren in 2017 and the midfielder said: “That was a great day. This tournament might get a bad name but that was one of the highlights of my career.
“We played at Fir Park, there was a great support from both sides and we scored two really good goals.
“Unfortunately we had a league game on the Tuesday and we were back in for training the next morning so the celebrations were a bit subdued!
“The atmosphere in the changing room here is great so we’d love to go on and get a piece of silverware.
“Hopefully we can get that result and then try to kick on for the rest of the season.”