Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes knows that his side don’t have the best record at Hampden Park against Celtic. His team have lost three times to the Scottish champions in the national stadium in the last three years.
Now the teams are set to face off again in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden next month. McInnes will no doubt be criticised should his side fail to get the better of Celtic for the fourth time in a row.
However, he should not lose faith in his abilities should that happen. In fact, his team deserve credit for being one of the few sides to run Celtic cross in recent years.
They were unlucky in the 2017 Scottish Cup Final and this season’s Betfred Cup Final. Things could be different on this occasion of course.
For the first time in a cup game, McInnes won’t be up against Brendan Rodgers in the Celtic dugout. He will be up against Neil Lennon.
The pair faced off in the league a fortnight ago, the teams drawing 0-0. That could give McInnes and his team confidence ahead of the trip to Hampden.
Even if the Dons lose the game, they should not be too down-hearted. They should be proud of their cup record under McInnes. It is worthy of praise more than criticism.