It was a quiet day for me, says Hearts ace Jamie

Published on Monday 21 May 2012 12:45

JAMIE MacDONALD can’t believe he had such a straightforward game in the Scottish Cup final.

With danger men such as Leigh Griffiths and Garry O’Connor in the Hibs ranks, the Hearts keeper had braced himself for a busy afternoon.

However, as it transpired, his team-mates performed so well that the only proper attempt on target Hibs could muster was the one that brought them a goal through James McPake.

MacDonald said: “I was disappointed to concede one, it was one of my quieter days. I was expecting a lot busier day, and a lot tighter game. We were magnificent defensively, and even up the park we held the ball up and threatened a lot. It was disappointing going in at half-time 2-1, it put a bit of doubt in our minds.”

MacDonald revealed he didn’t watch Danny Grainger’s penalty, having done the same thing for Craig Beattie’s spot-kick winner against Celtic in the semi-final.

He continued: “I just stood in my goal and reacted to the cheers, or the groans from the Hibs fans because I was facing them. It was just a case of not wanting to watch and hoping for the best. It’s just in the Cup I’ve done that.”

MacDonald believes the Cup win ensures Hearts, who finished fifth in the SPL and qualified for Europe, have had a season to be proud of. “It’s been a difficult season for the players and staff but we have stuck at it and got our reward. It has been a great achievement by everyone.”

MacDonald will be sad if, as expected, key pair Rudi Skacel and Ian Black head out the Tynecastle exit door. He said: “I don’t know what is going to happen to them. What can I say? They were both fantastic in the final as usual. Good luck to the two of them in whatever they decide to do.”

Taken from the Scotsman