Andrew Considine dreaming of a Dons cup double

ABERDEEN matchwinner Andrew Considine has set his sights on double cup glory after experiencing so much disappointment in knockout football with the Pittodrie club.

Matchwinner: Andrew Considine is congratuled by teammates. Picture: SNS

The big defender scored the only goal as Aberdeen defeated Partick Thistle at Firhill on yesterday to secure their place in today’s Scottish Cup fifth round draw at Hampden.

Considine was also on target when the Dons beat Motherwell 2-0 at Fir Park earlier this season to reach the League Cup semi-finals where they will face St Johnstone early next year.

Having played in five semi-final defeats for Aberdeen, the 26-year-old is hopeful they can reach a final for the first time since 2000, then land the club’s first major silverware since 1995.

“Fingers crossed we can make something happen,” said Considine. “I’ve been here a number of years and there’s been times when we’ve been knocked out of both cup competitions before Christmas. It’s not nice. So it’s great to still be involved in both and be in the top six of the league too.

“It’s winning games 1-0 like we did against Thistle, when it wasn’t the most pretty performance, that gives you confidence you can do something in the tournament. We’ll take whoever we get in the draw, but a home tie is always ideal. I feel with a full strength squad, I’d be happy to take on anyone at home.”

Having suffered a broken leg 12 months ago, Considine is relishing being back in an Aberdeen side showing promise and improvement under manager Derek McInnes.

“It’s just great to be playing football again,” he added. “It’s more satisfying because the team is doing well and confidence is high through winning games. It’s also nice to have chipped in with a couple of important goals so far this season. We can’t always rely on one person to score, like we did with Niall McGinn last season.”

TODAY’S DRAW

The possibility of an Old Firm derby in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup will provide suspense at today’s draw at Hampden, which will be made by Kenny Miller.

Surviving teams: Dundee United, Rangers, Celtic, Hibs, Aberdeen, Inverness CT, St Johnstone, Alloa, Raith Rovers, Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers, Queen of the South/St Mirren, Ayr/Dunfermline, Brechin/Forfar, Clyde/Stranraer.