Walking on Ayr

From a red card at Easter Road whilst on at Ayr United to a semi final place at Hampden, the past 12 months in the Scottish Cup have defined the rise and rise of Scott McKenna.

“I don’t think I could have ever dreamt about the position that I am in now. Last season at Ayr, after getting sent off, I didn’t play for them again for the rest of the season. Once I was out of the Ayr team, I was out of the squad and wasn’t even making the bench.

“For all that, being at Ayr was a really important experience for me in all kinds of ways. Losing my place was a reminder of how important it is that, once you get in the team, you don’t let that place go. That’s been my attitude this season and for the most part it has succeeded.

“It has been a big turnaround in the last eight or nine months. I remember I was playing against Motherwell U20s at Stirling Albion’s ground at the end of August and now hopefully I will be playing against their first team at Hampden in a Scottish Cup semi-final.

“A lot has happened this season but all the time, I have just tried to focus on playing well and to keep this run going, to stay consistent and keep improving. I want to keep that going until the end of the season. That’s when I will have the time to sit down and look back at what has happened.

“I am just concentrating on doing my job and playing well in the semi-final and not thinking about anything else.

“The Hearts game last Saturday was a disappointing, but we have had a good week’s training and got that game out of the system.

“Motherwell are a good side and deserve respect. They have had a good season and we know it will be a very tough game but we are prepared for that.

“Having played at Hampden recently will hopefully be a help as I will know my way around the place a bit better.

“I can’t wait for the game.

“After watching the boys for so many years playing in semi-finals, hopefully now I will get the chance to play myself and that is something I am very excited about. I have seen in the past how much it means to everyone involved with the club. It would be great to finish an incredible season with a Scottish Cup final”.

The full interview with Scott is available to read it tomorrow’s official semi-final programme.