Chisholm seeks repeat of Queens' final heroics

Published on Friday 9 January 2009 21:02

QUEEN of the South manager Gordon Chisholm insists his side can mirror last season's historic feat of reaching the Homecoming Scottish Cup final.

The First Division outfit are hoping to piece together another fairytale run to Hampden, starting today in the fourth round at Falkirk.

Despite the heartbreak of losing 3-2 to Rangers in May, Chisholm insists he and his players are desperate to experience the euphoria of playing in the end of season showpiece event.

Queens head into the game without a win in the league since October, but Chisholm hopes cup football can bring out the best in his players. He said: "It was a fantastic achievement last season in getting to the cup final against Rangers, we had all the trimmings that went with that and got a lot of attention; we want to progress again.

"Expectations are maybe there again among the fans following last year in getting to the final.

"It's all what happens on the day and, if we can carry a wee bit of luck, who knows what will happen?

"Yeah, we can get back there, it's do-able. Last year is last year and we know it will be hard on Saturday, but who would have said we would have got to the final last year?

"Having been to Hampden and enjoyed it, the boys are desperate to get back there and they are starting with a clean sheet against Falkirk."

The Doonhamers have bolstered their squad ahead of the trip to Westfield with the signing of English centre-half Martin Lancaster from MLS side Atlanta Silverbacks until the end of the season.

Chisholm revealed that double-leg break victim Gary Arbuckle is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Falkirk striker Carl Finnigan is desperate to force his way back into the side after being sidelined through illness during the first half of the season.

Finnigan is available today after making a cameo appearance in the recent 3-0 loss to Celtic. The former Newcastle marksman had been out since pre-season after being diagnosed with labyrinthitis, an ear infection.

Finnigan's plight worsened when his feet and ankles became swollen due to the virus. However, the 22-year-old insists he has recovered from his problems and is ready to fight for his place in the team in a bid to prove he is worth a new contract.

He said: "I just need games now. I am in full training. I have been there two weeks and been involved in squads for the last three weeks.

"I understand that I need games. I am 20-30 games behind the rest of the lads officially. Until I prove my fitness in training, I just have to dig away.

"I want to prove my fitness and show the gaffer I warrant a place in the side."