Former Aberdeen midfielder Steve Tosh is confident the class of 2016 will avoid the Hampden cup semi-final humiliation of eight years ago.
Tosh, who played 70 times for the Dons between 2003 and 2005 and still lives in the Granite City, scored for Queen of the South in the 4-3 Scottish Cup semi-final win against the Dons in April 2008, the darkest day of former manager Jimmy Calderwood’s time in charge at Pittodrie.
Another former Don, attacker John Stewart, scored the winner for Queens as they booked a final berth only to be beaten 2-1 by Rangers.
Saturday’s last-four tie against Championship club Morton at the national stadium could rekindle painful memories for Dons supporters with their team again heavy favourites to progress to the final.
This will be Aberdeen’s fourth semi-final since manager Derek McInnes took charge in 2013, with the Dons lifting the League Cup with a penalty shootout victory against Caley Thistle at Parkhead two years ago.
Tosh believes McInnes’ men are better equipped this time around.
He said: “There have been far more shocks over the years than just that one eight years ago.
“Professional footballers never really underestimate anyone but they can certainly get caught unawares.
“It’s not as if Aberdeen weren’t prepared by the management team back then but, as a club and a squad of players, they weren’t used to semi-finals and finals at the time.
“That Aberdeen team had a few disappointments against lower league sides as Queen’s Park had beaten them on penalties in the League Cup in 2006.
“The current side, after what happened against Inverness a couple of seasons ago, are more prepared for this type of match.
“I see enough of Aberdeen and the Hampden pitch will suit attacking players such as Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes down to the ground.”
McInnes began his career with Saturday’s opponents, spending seven years at Cappielow before moving to Rangers in 1995.
Tosh reckons the manager’s knowledge of the Greenock club could be crucial. The 43-year-old added: “Certain things happened last weekend that will suit Derek and his players.
“Aberdeen are on a good run of five straight wins themselves but he will also be happy with the fact Morton turned Queen of the South over 5-0 on Saturday.
“Morton’s players will go into the game high on confidence. It’s not arrogance but if the match doesn’t start the way they hope their heads could go down.
“Another big thing is Derek played for Morton, so he knows what they are all about. They are not a two-bit club, they will have a great following and Derek will make the players aware of that. That said, I cannot see anything other than an Aberdeen win.”
