Mats Knoester was the player who spoke to the press on Friday to preview the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden against Hearts.

“Last Sunday, the way the game went was very difficult and disappointing. If you look at the first half we were very good, and then we play against ten men. Maybe it is a bit of a mental thing, you think playing against ten men, we should get the win, and we should have got the win, but we forgot to kill the game and they scored with two chances. It is very important we learn from what happened.

“We still have a lot to play for this season, starting with the semi-final tomorrow. The cup is very big, and could yet make the season very successful.

“In any big game, mentality is very important, but especially in cup games because everything has to come together in one game, so mentality is a big thing. You can’t catch up later in the season. Tomorrow, if you don’t win it is over. But that is also the special thing about cup games, it’s makes it very exciting. It makes it more exciting for supporters, for players, for everyone associated with the club. Anything can happen. A lot happens usually.

“If we play good, yes of course we can win the game. Hearts are also a big club and a competitive team. I have not played them yet but I have heard the games against Hearts this season have been very close. I have watched a lot of clips and we will be prepared. They are good team so we are going to have to play very well to get the win.

“I have not been to Hampden before. I do not know what to expect in terms of the stadium and everything but I expect some chaos and some excited people! It is going to be good.

“Of course this is one of the reasons I came to Aberdeen. You want to be playing for prizes. I played in a final last season with AGF in Denmark but unfortunately we lost that one 1-0. So last season I experienced winning a semi-final and then playing in a final. But I have not won a cup yet. I know that winning a semi-final is difficult. It is always a big battle because of what is at stake.

“After Saturday we have some very important league games coming up but hopefully we can give the fans a final to look forward to at the end of the season.

“All the players know the history. Everyone knows how big this competition is. We are aware of what it means to this club and what it means for the people of Aberdeen.”