Winger Matty Kennedy is relishing the chance to experience Hampden for the first time in his career after helping Aberdeen book their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Celtic stand between the Dons and a place in the final after goals from Lewis Ferguson and Sam Cosgrove gave Derek McInnes’s side a 2-0 win against St Mirren in Saturday’s quarter-final in Paisley.
The chance to play in the latter stages of competitions and compete for trophies were major factors in Kennedy’s decision to move to Pittodrie and he is delighted to have a chance to realise his ambition so soon after arriving from St Johnstone.
He said: “We played well against Celtic recently. They scored in the last five minutes and, on another day, we could have nicked it.
“That’s why they are champions but we can take confidence into the semi. We are good enough to take them on.
“I’ve never played at Hampden so hopefully when the manager names the team I’m on the teamsheet.
“The manager was the main reason I came here. The size of the club and the history made it a no-brainer. I want win trophies. I think I am good enough to play in a team which can reach finals.
“I missed a few games over the break and I need to be playing every game to be sharp.
“As a winger it is totally different to just being fit and I think with each game I’ve got better. I felt good against Kilmarnock and I feel sharp again. I feel I have a lot to offer here.”
The conditions in Paisley made a tough tie even more challenging for both sets of players but Kennedy believes his side were worthy winners in Paisley.
He said: “We came to do a job and get to the next round and we’ve done that. We’re delighted with our performance and I thought we deserved the win.”