Caley Thistle defender David Raven is hoping his dramatic semi-final winning goal will help inspire Inverness to Scottish Cup glory tomorrow.
Raven netted the winner in extra time to seal Caley Jags’ 3-2 victory against Celtic last month, setting up the Hampden showpiece against Falkirk.
The Englishman says he will cherish the goal no matter tomorrow’s outcome but is eager for it to be remembered as the goal that set Inverness on the way to capturing the silverware.
Raven said: “I’m still getting over the cramp.
“We just got the sniff that it was our day and belief was growing and growing. We heard all the songs about being the treble-busters and it was nice to be involved in that.
“The goal would still mean something to me even if we lost on Saturday because it got us into the final and it was such a big buzz. It’s something to look back on. But it will be emptier if in years to come, when I’m telling my kids about it, they ask if we won the cup, and I have to say no.”
Raven has been with Inverness since joining from Tranmere Rovers in 2012.
The 30-year-old, who began his career with Liverpool, says he is enjoying his football more than ever at Caledonian Stadium, having helped John Hughes’ side qualify for Europe by finishing third in the Premiership this season.
Raven added: “My last couple of years have been my peak years without a doubt.
“I’ve been playing the best football of my career since I’ve come to Inverness.
“I lost about three years of my career from 24 to 27 through injuries anyway, which I regret a little bit, but things happen for a reason and I’m here for that reason, so the last few years have been probably the best of my career.”