The Dons midfielder spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Motherwell

“The past few weeks have been good. We had the Semi-Final victory, here at Hamilton then winning against Kilmarnock and Hibs that took us into international duty. We enjoyed our wee break, a few of the boys went away and I went away with the U20s. It’s now Fir Park tomorrow, which is a tough venue and Motherwell suffered a heavy defeat at Ibrox a few weeks ago so I’m sure they’ll be looking for a big reaction and we’ll be prepared for that. I think we’ve got enough quality in the likes of Gaz, Niall, Willo that can go and win the game for us.

“It was good to get away and a few of the boys got a wee break. It felt like a wee break for us because we were away to Spain for a few days so that was good. We played against Turkey on Saturday night and that was a tough test so it’s good experience for us playing against boys with a different culture and the way the play.

“I didn’t play here the last time against Motherwell as I was out injured, but I watched the game. It was a very tight game and Motherwell are a hard team to play against. They are very physical and I played my first ever senior game against them and it was probably the hardest one I’ve ever played. They were big boys and it showed me how tough the league. It will be difficult and the last game here it was a moment of quality as McGinn slipped through Wilson and he finished. That’s the kind of things we need from Willo when he gets into those areas to put one away and get us three points.

“I’m gutted for Mikey because he works ever so hard and he’s had it troubles with injuries the past few years. I’m not sure what it is, but I don’t think it’s too bad. Hopefully he’s back as soon as and I’m sure Andy will come in and do as good a job. Andy’s a good professional and a really good player and I’m sure he can come in as well.

“We’re obviously looking forward to the cup final, but we’ve got to go and take care of league business first. We’re wanting to push up that table to where I believe we belong. We’re sitting in sixth just now and five points off second place, plus a game in hand so we’ll just take care of league action first at Fir Park tomorrow and hopefully go and get the three points and then start to look forward and prepare for the cup final.

“It’s been a bit whirlwind and mental for me. When I came here in the summer the first thing I wanted to do was get in the first team and I just worked my socks off and tried to do my best in pre-season to prove I was good enough to play in this first team and thankfully I got a spot in the starting eleven. I’ve got to keep pushing and be the best I can be. I always keep my feet on the ground and level headed and keep working hard.

“I feel as if when I came here the gaffer gave me that confidence with the way he spoke to me and that helped me a lot. The likes of Doc and Robbo (Barry Robson) when I go out to play they always tell me to be myself and to go out and play my own game and that gives me that confidence and freedom to go out and hopefully I can do it tomorrow.”