Betfred Cup, Greenock Morton v Aberdeen – BT Sport 1 11.45am
Ryan Jack has not had his Hampden disappointments to seek but the Aberdeen captain is confident history will count for nothing today
Midfielder Jack’s record at the national stadium makes for dismal reading, with the 24-year-old on the receiving end of defeats in all four Hampden games he has played.
A then 16-year-old, Jack was also part of the Dons’ youth team which watched on as Jimmy Calderwood’s team was defeated 4-3 by First Division side Queen of the South in 2008 in the Scottish Cup.
Jack could be forgiven for dreading a return to the south side of Glasgow, however the Aberdeen-born player, who has returned to the squad following a two-month absence with a knee injury, is eager to create better memories in today’s Betfred Cup semi-final against Morton.
Jack said: “I’m well aware of the poor record at Hampden because I’ve played in a few and not won. I’m hoping to change that and put it to bed.
“I’ve played four games – Dundee United, Hibs and twice against Celtic – and lost them all. I analyse the games at the time but I don’t think too much about why I haven’t managed to win there.
“I was also part of the youth team and we went to the Queen of the South semi final which was another bad experience. But I don’t dread going to Hampden or anything like that.
“It’s something different from the same stadiums in the league. It’s been mentioned that Queen of the South was our last game at Hampden against lower league opposition, but times have changed.
“It’s different players and coaching staff now. I’ve spoken to the players and nobody is thinking about anything other than a positive result.
“Hampden has got a special feeling to it and I can’t wait for this match to be involved with the squad again and back at Hampden. We can put our poor record to bed.
“After any defeat we look at how we prepared and see if we can change anything. I know from previous Hampden experiences I need to be as professional as I can be.”
Jack was part of the Dons side that ended the club’s 19-year wait for silverware by winning the League Cup in 2014 after a penalty shootout victory against Caley Thistle at Parkhead, and the former Scotland under-21 captain says that has only heightened the wish for more trophy success.
He added: “When players are young they are fearless and don’t realise the demands on them, but since we won the League Cup two years ago I’m definitely aware there is a hunger for more from the supporters – and we want that as players.
“We believe we’ve got the squad to get to a cup final and I need to be ready if called on for this game. It’s a big day out for the supporters, but for us there’s a lot at stake and it’s important we don’t play the occasion.”