St Johnstone v Hibs
Jamie McCart’s last visit to Hampden did not go to plan.
He had a peach of a goal ruled out for offside and Inverness eventually went down 3-0 against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
While only two years ago, McCart has since been determined to make a winning return to the national stadium.
He has that chance, in fact a “big opportunity”, when he lines up with St Johnstone for a lastfour Betfred Cup showdown with Hibs.
No Perth fans will be inside the stadium to cheer their favourites on this weekend. But McCart knows they will be showing their support from home.
He told the PA: “It’s a massive game for us, an exciting game.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to it and it gives you a wee rest from the league.
“I had the one cup run with Inverness, getting to the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden two years ago. That was excellent.
“This will be a bit different without the fans in. It makes a massive difference. It might be a little stranger at the bigger stadium but I think most players are used to it now.
“For everyone associated with the club it’s a big opportunity and hopefully we can get to the final. It’s a real opportunity.
“Hibs are a really tough team but, with there being no Old Firm, the four teams will think it’s a good chance for a trophy.”
Saints travel to Glasgow this weekend on the back of a 1-0 battling Premiership win against St Mirren.
For McCart, picking up a victory to head into the semi-final with positive momentum was imperative.
“I don’t think it was our best performance of the season, by any stretch,” McCart said.
“But that doesn’t matter when you get three points.
“We had been playing really well, creating a lot of chances with nice football.
“On Saturday we did the other side of it. That was really pleasing for us and to know that we can grind out results and keep a clean sheet.
“I think it was all about getting over the line. We panicked a wee bit when they went down to 10 men.
“We could’ve been more composed and organised.
“I actually thought we defended very well. Saturday was brilliant that we ground it out.”
A real boost for Saints was the return of skipper Jason Kerr following his time out after testing positive for COVID-19.
“It was good to get Jason back in,” said McCart.
“He’s had a tough time with getting a suspension and then testing positive for COVID-19.
“But he’s back and healthy which is the main thing.”
And up the other end, Chris Kane and Guy Melamed have formed a promising partnership in the past two fixtures.
“Kano could’ve had a couple of goals on Saturday and he was unlucky,” added McCart.
“The goalkeeper makes a good save, but his goal was just reward for his performance.
“Kano and Guy worked their socks off. They’ve played excellent in the last two games and hopefully that can continue.”