Kevin Thomson: Dundee dinner ladies want cup win

Kevin Thomson: Hungry for cup win. Picture: SNS

The Dark Blues have won the famous old trophy only once, back in 1910, and their last final appearance came in 2003 when they lost narrowly to Rangers.

Now the new-look Dens Park side, who welcome rivals Aberdeen to Tayside in today’s tie of the round, have set their sights on changing that.

Thomson, who won the competition with Rangers against Queen of the South in 2008, said: “I don’t know too much about Dundee’s Scottish Cup history but the dinner ladies always tell me that the last time we were in the final was 2003.

“We haven’t won it for more than 100 years – which sounds a bit like  the Hibees.

“But we have a hungry group who are desperate for success and we are definitely looking forward to the Aberdeen game. Regardless of what club you are at, cup runs are great and finals are special moments in your career. I have been lucky to play in a few.

“A lot of good players do not play in cup finals so when the opportunity comes along, you have to grab it with both hands.

“I think we have a good chance this year but it is a massive game on Saturday, Aberdeen are a fine side.

“If you won the cup last year or 100 years ago, it is a new competition and we have as good a chance as anyone else this season.”

The fourth-round draw produced five all-Premiership ties and, with Kilmarnock and Celtic travelling to Championship sides Rangers and Hearts, seven of the top clubs in the country will make an early exit in the competition.

However, Aberdeen wide man Jonny Hayes is looking no further than the trip to Tayside.

Hayes told RedTV: “We all know that cup games are hard no matter who  you get.

“We have seen it all over the world many times. If you lose you are out. So we will take it one game at a time because that’s all it is in the cup.

“We know that if we are not 100 per cent and don’t put everything in to this game on Saturday, then we could well be out.”

Aberdeen won the League Cup last season but were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the semi-final stage by eventual winners St Johnstone, a disappointment for which Hayes wants to make amends.

The Irishman said: “I’m looking forward to it. Cups are always a welcome distraction from the league.

“We would like to take a step or two further this year and it starts on  Saturday against Dundee, who are  playing well.

“They are a decent side and it is going to be a tough game. But, if we play to our potential, we can beat anybody.”