Shinnie reflects on the significance of winning the Scottish Cup with his hometown team.
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Graeme Shinnie, the captain of Aberdeen Football Club, has expressed his heartfelt desire to win the Scottish Cup with his hometown team. As the Dons prepare to face Celtic in the final at Hampden, Shinnie is determined to end a 35-year wait for national trophy success and an 11-year drought without silverware.
This match marks Aberdeen’s first Scottish Cup final appearance since 2017, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the players and fans alike.
Shinnie’s journey and aspirations
At 33 years old, Shinnie is in his second spell at Pittodrie, and he carries the weight of past experiences into this crucial match.
Having previously led Inverness to Scottish Cup victory in 2015, he knows the thrill of lifting the trophy. However, achieving this feat with Aberdeen would be particularly special for him. Shinnie stated, “It would be special… For the players, it would mean being remembered for a long time.
For the fans, to celebrate a Scottish Cup win would be massive.” The emotional significance of this match is palpable, as Shinnie aims to create unforgettable memories for himself and the club.
Facing the formidable Celtic
Despite the excitement surrounding the final, Aberdeen enters the match as the underdogs. The Dons have not defeated Celtic in their last 30 encounters, a streak that dates back to the 2017/18 season. Shinnie has faced Celtic 28 times since joining Aberdeen, securing only three victories. The captain is aware of the challenges ahead, especially considering Celtic’s recent dominance in Scottish football. However, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past defeats. “These things don’t mean anything to me… It’s just two teams going out on the day and whoever’s better will win,” he remarked.
Preparing for the big day
Shinnie understands that to have a chance against Celtic, Aberdeen must be at their best. He stressed the need for the team to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and fluidity, stating, “We need to try and knock them off their rhythm. We don’t want to be them in their fluidity and playing at their highest level.” The captain’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the Dons aim to execute their game plan effectively. Shinnie also highlighted the importance of being ruthless in both attack and defense, a lesson learned from previous encounters with Celtic.
Addressing off-field issues
In the lead-up to the final, Shinnie addressed a concerning incident involving teammate Jack MacKenzie, who was injured during a pitch invasion after a recent match. Shinnie condemned the behavior, stating, “We don’t want to see pitch invasions and those sort of things… people can get seriously hurt.” Despite the seriousness of the situation, Shinnie and the squad have rallied around MacKenzie, showing their support and camaraderie. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in football, both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead to the future
As the Dons prepare for the cup final, Shinnie is hopeful that a victory could change the narrative of their season. He acknowledged the struggles Aberdeen faced towards the end of the league campaign but emphasized that winning the cup would redefine their efforts. “If you win on Saturday, then everything’s different,” he said, highlighting the potential for a brighter future. With European football on the line, the stakes are high, and Shinnie is ready to lead his team into battle.
