Aberdeen midfielder Peter Pawlett knows what it takes to score a winner against Celtic in the Scottish Cup.
The 26-year-old former Scotland under-21 international, pictured, who will leave the club after Saturday’s cup final, netted the decisive goal when the Dons defeated the Hoops 2-1 at Parkhead to reach the quarter-finals of the competition in 2014.
The Dons were eventually knocked out in the semi-finals by a Stevie May-inspired St Johnstone, but beating Celtic on their own patch remains a proud memory for Pawlett, who has signed a pre-contract agreement with English League One side MK Dons and is a doubt for the final after suffering an Achilles injury.
The Hull-born midfielder said: “The victory against Celtic was a great day and one of the highlights of my career at Aberdeen.
“That was the last time we won at Parkhead and all of my family were there which made it that extra bit special.
“But my favourite goal for Aberdeen would be the one I scored in our 3-0 win against Rijeka in the Europa League qualifier in 2015.
“It was a diving header and I don’t get many of those.
“I have scored some important goals, but that one always comes to mind.
“I’m not sure if Rijeka have even been beaten at home since we played them so that makes that night and the goal I scored even more memorable.”
Pawlett has agreed a two-year contract with Robbie Neilson’s side and is relishing the prospect of playing in English football next season.
He said: “When I went down to MK Dons I was really impressed.
“It is a great stadium and they are in the process of building a new training ground which will be great for everyone connected with the club.
“I am looking forward to it, but my full focus is on the cup final.
“We know that finals can be very much hit or miss. The day is either unbelievable or the worst day ever and we just have to try to make it go our way.
“Of course, we will need a bit of luck against Celtic, but we will go into the match with confidence.
“We were disappointed with how we performed in the League Cup final against Celtic so we will look to put that right on Saturday.
“Leaving Aberdeen as a Scottish Cup winner would be the perfect way to end my time at the club, but we know we face a very difficult match against a really good side who deserved to be champions this season.”