Cup final countdown: final experience ‘settles’ Jamie MacDonald

STUART BATHGATE
Published on Thursday 17 May 2012 02:29

JAMIE MacDonald is one of just four Hearts players to have already been in a Scottish Cup final, having played for Queen of the South when they lost 3-2 to Rangers four years ago.

While he is glad to have that experience to call on, the goalkeeper expects Saturday’s match against Hibernian to feel far different to that 2008 game.

“There is definitely a different pressure,” MacDonald said. “With Queen of the South it was almost a case of it being a cup run and you just went out and enjoyed every game as it went. We obviously wanted to win it, but it wasn’t the be all and end all. Everybody was just happy for getting there – but this time we must win. We all know the pressure is on to win. It will be the same for Hibs and I am sure that will make for a good game on Saturday.”

That experience with Queens has also made MacDonald sure he is now better equipped to cope with that pressure. “Even in the semi-final against Celtic I wasn’t really nervous,” he continued. “I remember when I was at Queens I felt the nerves a bit more in the semi and final there. I think having that experience has helped this season. I just have to treat it like another game and we will see how it goes. I think I will be a bit more settled than I was in the last final.”

Although now 26, MacDonald has only been first-choice No 1 at Tynecastle since Marian Kello fell out of favour earlier this year. He therefore finds it curious that he is bracketed with Rudi Skacel, Andy Webster and Darren Barr in the quartet who have played in a final before. “It is quite strange when you look at our squad and it is only Rudi, Webby, Darren and myself who have been involved in a Scottish Cup final.

“I am one of the most experienced in this competition and that is funny as I have just broken into the team. There are still players here who have played a lot of games but there is a difference to have played in a cup final. It is a totally different experience but I am sure all the boys will relish it.”

MacDonald was on the fringes of the Hearts squad when the Tynecastle club last won the cup, beating Gretna in 2006. “I wasn’t on the bench, but I travelled with the squad as the third choice. It was still a great experience. I remember the day very well and the joy of the players that day. I would love to experience that and to give the fans something like that again.

“You see how much it means to them and it would mean an awful lot more if we were to win. I was still young and just happy to be part of it and to savour the day. Hopefully now it will be my turn.”

Taken from the Scotsman