Zander’s ripe for a party

some top players at the club who haven’t made it to finals. I’m just grateful that we have put ourselves in a position this year to go and be a part of it.”

It will be a touch surreal for Clark not having family, friends and fans at the game to cheer him on.

“I phone my dad after every game,”he said.“I called him after the semi-final and he said he was at the 1971 Partick Thistle against Celtic final.

“He went along, I think with his uncle. He was only nine or 10 at the time and followed Partick as a kid. He was there that day and they won 4-1.

“I’m gutted that with everything going on he won’t be there to watch one of his own in the cup final. But he’ll be watching from the house.

“It’s strange but it’s like any game that we’ve had this season. Every game you’re at you’ve got family or friends that want to come along.

“It’s been something that we’ve dealt with. It will be a different occasion, but we have dealt with it so far so we just need to get our heads round it and make sure we put in a performance.”

While no fans will be in the stadium, he knows how many people will be willing him on from home. One of those will be former team-mate and goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

“Big Al was one of the first to drop me a message when we got to the final. He sent me messages in the days leading up to the semi-final as well,”Clark said.

“I’m sure I’ll be in contact with the big man this week for a catch up and a good chat and find out how he’s getting on.”