SC SF Preview | The Captain

Ryan Jack

“The size of club we are, the fan base we have, the squad of players we have in that dressing room, the management team that are in place here – there is a big demand to win trophies and have winners medals. We are looking to meet that challenge head on.

“It is going to be a really difficult game, there is no doubt about that.

“Hibs will provide us with one of the biggest tests we have had this season. They play a good style of football and have a good mixture of youth and experience in their squad. They also have a good manager. But it is a game we are really looking forward to and we feel we have a good chance of getting through if we perform to the levels that we are capable of.

“Up to this point we have had another very good season. We have gone on good runs at good times and we really have done well. I think the consistency we have shown over many months is due to many different factors but a vital element is the team spirit and how close all the boys are as a group. We really do work for each other on the pitch.

“Like any game, it is up to us the players to come up with solutions to find a way to get on top of the opposition and find a way to win. It is a game we are looking forward to and one we believe we can win.

“I watched their cup game against Hearts and it was a very strong performance. That suggests they would be up there in the top half of the Premiership. I know a few of the guys who are there and they are all very good players.

“Fraser Fyvie and I are best mates off the pitch but we are both passionate about our football and want to achieve things and so we both see this as a great opportunity to get to a national final, in our case a second final of the season. Our focus this past week has been fully on the game. After the match, we will meet up and have a chat about how it went but ahead of the tie, it is just about being professional and doing your job.

“There appears to be a good spirit amongst their players and a good togetherness amongst everyone at the club. But as I say we also have that spirit and togetherness. I really think that shows when you go out on the pitch.

“We have played in cup semi-finals and cup finals in the past few seasons and you can always draw on that experience. It is important you try and use that in the right way.

“When I was handed the captains armband, one of the things you envisage is holding a loft a trophy for Aberdeen. This game gives us an opportunity to get one stage closer to doing that.

“We see it as a chance to lift some silverware.

“I am looking forward to it and hopefully I am on the winning side.”