Kenny McLean has set his sights on leaving Aberdeen as a Scottish Cup winner.
The midfielder completed a move to Championship side Norwich City last month before returning to the Dons on loan for the rest of the season.
His time in a red shirt is coming to an end but after finishing last season as runners-up to Celtic in all three competitions the former St Mirren captain is targeting Scottish Cup glory after helping the Dons reach the quarter-finals on Sunday.
He said: “That has always been the aim since I signed for Norwich and come back here. It is my ambition but it is what everybody wants not just me. It is my last game and to go out on a high would be special.
“Nothing has changed for myself. I am playing with a bit more freedom because at times you are playing for your future.
“I had four months left on my contract and sometimes you can put too much pressure on yourself.
“At times, I probably was doing that and trying too hard.
“It wasn’t bringing the best out in me but now I have my future secured I can relax and enjoy my football and that is when I am at my best.”
McLean scored the third goal in his side’s 4-2 win against Dundee United to set-up a quarter-final home tie against Kilmarnock on the weekend of March 3 and 4.
He said: “It is something we want to do and we want to make the cup the last game of the season.
“We will take it game-by-game and hopefully we will have another three cup games to go.
“We have a tough tie with Killie at home but we look forward to it but there will be plenty of work to do before now and then.”
While McLean will be playing his football in England next year the departing Don believes Ryan Christie, who set-up his goal, could join him in English football if he cannot find a place in his parent club Celtic’s team.
McLean said: “He has the ability to go and play at the highest level and I think he has the ability to be a top player at Celtic.
“We are getting the benefit of that now and as long as we’ve got him then we will be happy.
“I am surprised he is not playing for Celtic but they have loads of quality in that area of the pitch.
“Personally, I think Ryan has the quality but we are benefiting and I am not going to complain.”