Ex-Jambo Murray happy to be underdog again

GRAEME CROSER

GRANT MURRAY savoured every last second of Hearts’ Scottish Cup triumph in 1998 - because he knew it could be his last.

The defender was an unused substitute at Celtic Park as the Jambos beat Rangers seven seasons ago to lift the old trophy, but being on the sidelines allowed him to drink in the atmosphere of the occasion.

The Partick Thistle defender insists Hearts revelled in their roles as underdogs that day and on Saturday he’s hoping to upset the odds again as his old club visit Firhill in the third round of this season’s competition.

He said: "I remember the lead-up to the game was pretty special. Jim Jefferies took us away for a few days to prepare and that got everyone in the right frame of mind.

"Everyone viewed us as the underdogs which suited us perfectly. It might never happen again and I knew that at the time. I had to make the most of the occasion and try to take in every last moment of it.

"For many players these occasions never come around at all and I was aware that might be my only opportunity to take part in such an event.

"The pressure was off us that day and we just went to Glasgow and enjoyed it.

"I suppose the same applies to this weekend’s game. Hearts are strong favourites to beat us and progress to the next round so they have to cope with the expectancy while we can just go out and try to enjoy our day."

Murray was one of the younger members of Jefferies’ history-making squad but at 29, he’s one of the experienced men on whom new Thistle boss Dick Campbell will rely to help secure the club’s First Division status.

Partick have gone into freefall over the past 18 months, first surrendering their SPL status then struggling to keep afloat in the First Division this term.

Campbell has been brought in to steady the ship and Murray is confident the experienced coach can turn the team’s fortunes around.

He believes Thistle have been performing below their natural level and, after enjoying an upsurge in form during John Lambie’s brief spell as interim chief, he believes they are primed to climb the table.

He added: "People forget that only a year ago we were playing in the SPL. Given everything that has happened here it does seem like a lot longer but there are players here who are more than capable of playing at that level.

"This cup tie gives us a wee break from the league and we’re all looking forward to it. It’s going to be a big occasion with Hearts bringing through a big crowd but no-one should write us off."

Taken from the Scotsman