KENNY McLEAN |

Man of the match Kenny McLean spoke to RedTV after the game on Saturday:

“The boys are feeling great about getting through to a final and coming back to Hampden next month.

“It is a great feeling and it is what we always aimed for. At the start of the season we all sat down and spoke about it. We want to win cups. That is what we want to do at this club. That is the ambition of the fans and also the players. We need to have the mentality that we can win stuff. We know exception levels are high at a club like Aberdeen but it is up to us to match those exceptions.

“It was never going to easy against Morton and it certainly played out that way.

“The start of the game was what we wanted. That is what we spoke about before, getting off to a strong start and we did that. We hit the woodwork a couple of times, we had a lot of corners and couple of free kicks, so we put a lot of pressure on Morton. When the goal did not come it was then a case of being patient. I think we did that well. The start of the second half was a bit scrappy, there was not much in the game but thankfully we got the goal and then were able to control the match after that. We showed our qualities.

“When I scored I think then we realised we were coming back to Hampden for the final. It was not an easy as it looked! Once I got to the ball the goal was getting smaller and smaller! But it did fall for me kindly and it was a tap in. They all count and I know that is something I need to do more, add more goals. That side of my game I can improve.

“We were not surprised with how well Morton did because we had watched them. We knew they were a good team and we never underestimated Morton. They put up a real challenge, they scared us at times as they had chances but when Adam put his one away we then controlled proceedings and my goal helped finalise the proceedings.

“Our only aim heading into the semi-final was getting back to Hampden for the final so we achieved that.

“When you are at a club like Aberdeen you need to be getting to finals, you need to be challenging for trophies no matter who you play. We have done that. We now have a final to look forward to.

“Against (Celtic) we will be the underdogs but that is not going to affect us. Whoever walks out onto the Hampden pitch at the end of November will go out and give everything they have.

“I must thank the fans. Everyone is aware how hard it was for them to get to the game, but the numbers that came down was exceptional. We know that we will have double that for the final.

“We have confidence that we can win big games. That comes from looking around the dressing room and seeing the quality that is in there. There is a strong squad, you only have to look at the players we had on the bench at Hampden. The manager has brought in players over the summer who have really contributed. Everyone is pushing for a place. We have boys in there who will be disappointed that they are not playing at the moment but their chance will come, they know that, and I am sure they will take it. We will need everyone as it is a long season. We will need everyone over the next month or so as it is a very busy period.

“It is great for the manager that he has so many options. Over the summer he assessed what we needed and we now have strength in every position. People are fighting for places and that brings out the best in everyone.

“When you look about the changing room and see the quality we have got, you know that even if one player is having a bad day then someone else can deliver the goods to get the job done. That also gives you real confidence.

“For me personally it was a bit of a slow start to the season. I was a little bit frustrated with my own performances but recently I feel I have played better thankfully. It is all about working harder. You have to maintain standards at a club like this. As I say there is competition for places so if you are not on the ball then someone else with take your place.

“We are on a great run at the moment. Every game has been different. We have won them in different ways. We have had to battle for victories, we have played our way to victories; some of the quality has been excellent. In the last three games that is ten goals scored and none conceded. At both ends of the pitch things are going well. Long may that continue. It is up to us to keep that going at Hamilton on Tuesday.

“We can now put the final to the back of our minds and concentrate on Tuesday. We have plenty of work to do before the final.”

“We can now put the final to the back of our minds and concentrate on Tuesday. We have plenty of work to do before the final.”