Scottish Cup: Andrew Considine wants to end on high

The Dons will finish the Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign in the bottom half of the table after failing to make the top six before the split.

But victory at Hampden would allow them to take a major step towards claiming silverware, as well as securing a Europa League berth next term if champions Celtic win their own semi-final against Hearts tomorrow.

Considine said: “The season has not really gone to plan. We did not get in the top six again.

“It is the last chance saloon to get into Europe, which would be great.

“It is a couple of years since we have played in Europe. That is really where we feel we should be.”

Aberdeen’s recent record at the national stadium may be less than impressive – they lost 4-0 to Celtic in last year’s semi-final – but Considine knows the expectations of those who make the long trip from the Granite City will be high.

He said: “Every time you play at Hampden it is a learning curve so, even although we have lost there on the last few occasions, you do get vital experience.

“It is daunting going there to be honest. There is a lot of pressure.

“The expectation is there because Aberdeen is a massive club and people expect us to be winning cups.

“The first five minutes are always a bit nervy but after that you settle in and then it is not so much an occasion but a game of football.

“Hopefully we can settle first and get a grip of the game.”

The centre-half was keen to praise the club’s supporters for standing by the team.

He added: “I am proud just to play for this club because it’s massive and the support we get is out of this world.

“The support we had down at Hampden last year (against Celtic) was fantastic and I think the numbers are similar this season.”