Jonathan Franks has added motivation to win the League Cup on Sunday as the Ross County midfielder seeks to keep his friend and cup final opponent Kevin Thomson quiet.
The duo became friends during their time together at Middlesbrough, but come Sunday’s final Franks insists friendship will be on hold.
He said: “Kevin is in his third spell with Hibs and he loves it down there. I’m sure he will be looking to get one over on me, but I’m just as determined.
“Hibs have a few players who have played at Hampden before but it does help we played at Hampden in the semi-final.
“A new pitch will be laid for the final which will make it different but we know if we stick to our plan we can win the cup.”
Franks knows County will be made favourites due to their Premier League status against Championship opponents, but believes the sides are evenly-matched. He said: “There will be pressure on both teams in the final. Hibs are in a different league but they are a big club and are on the way back again which is why I think it will be two evenly-matched teams playing each other.
“I can’t wait for the game as it will be a massive game for the club and the area and hopefully we will do them proud.
“I’ve never played in anything close to a game as big as this. This will be a massive game and occasions like this are why we all play football.”
County are ahead of schedule in their attempts to establish themselves in the upper echelons of Scottish football, but Franks believes he and his team-mates have earned the right to compete for the trophy on Sunday.
He said: “Before I came here the manager spoke about having a cup run and being in the top six, but I don’t think anyone expected us to make a final this quickly.
“But as the rounds went on and we got closer we realised we had a chance and we showed against Celtic in the semi-final anything could happen.
“The pressure was off us as Celtic were massive favourites. It was all on them and we just went out and played our game.
“That’s what we will be trying to do on Sunday. It’s a huge game but we’ll have a plan and all we will be focusing on is sticking to it. If we do that I’m sure we can bring the cup up to the Highlands for the first time.”