Aberdeen and Celtic are gearing up to lock horns in this weekend’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
The Hoops also provided the opposition when the Dons last won the national competition in a mammoth penalty shootout in 1990.
In the build-up to the 1990 final, the Press and Journal featured four pages of player ratings compiled by then Rangers striker Ally McCoist.
McCoist, who was only 27 at the time and Rangers’ top scorer that season, provided a detailed analysis of each player.
It was clear McCoist, who now works as a pundit, fancied the Dons to come out on top at Hampden, which they eventually did when Brian Irvine slotted home the winning penalty.
Here is McCoist’s analysis of the Aberdeen and Celtic squads ahead of the 1990 final, including his mark out of 10 for every player.
Aberdeen
- Theo Snelders: I think it will be a big bonus for Aberdeen to have Theo back after injury just at the right time for them. He is a tremendous goalkeeper and the best thing you can say about him is that nobody has missed Jim Leighton all that much. I may be a bit biased but I have tremendous regard for our keeper Chris Woods and I would say Theo and Chris are probably the best two in Britain at the moment. 9
- Brian Grant: Here’s a boy who is underestimated by many but an important foil for the likes of Jim Bett and Robert Connor. He works away for the team but not only that, he gets in the box and scores a goal or two. Against us Brian was very impressive at Pittodrie and in fact forced Chris Woods into a fantastic save after being in the right spot for a chance. 7
- David Robertson: Marvellous young player with a big future. It would not surprise me if Aberdeen provided the Scotland full backs for some years to come. The boy has got poise, pace and is already an under-21 international. I rate him highly. 8
- Brian Irvine: It’s been unfortunate in a way that the big man has had to wait for a poor old Willie to get injured before getting his chance but he’s certainly grabbed it with both hands. Brian’s done so well and has scored one or two vital goals, including one in the Scottish Cup semi-final. That’s another of Aberdeen’s strengths, having defenders who can score. 7
- Willem van der Ark: It was this big man whose head flick laid on the winner against us in the Skol Cup final. We’ve had some stick from Aberdeen players and he posed problems in the air for Terry Butcher. There are not many who can do that. Perhaps he’s not as talented or as quick on his feet as the likes of Charlie and Hans but still very troublesome, especially in the air. 7
- Robert Connor: Good left-sided players are hard to come by and Robert is one of the best. Not only did I play against him when he was with Ayr and I was with St Johnstone but we both got our first caps together in Eindhoven in 1986. A nicely talented player with whom I have a strong affinity, the kind of player who adds something classy to the game. 8
- Stewart McKimmie: Brilliant. He’s got to be delighted with this season, especially coming back into the international scene against Argentina and getting that goal at Hampden. He’s a great attacking defender and part of the reason why Aberdeen have been so successful. A key man in a great defensive setup with the likes of McLeish and Miller, probably one of the most underrated players in Scottish football. 8
- Willie Miller: He’s a brilliant defender and again I feel sorry for him that he’s had such a struggle with injury this season but we all know what a fighter he is and I know he’s pushing to get a place in the final. For his service to Aberdeen and Scottish football, there’s none better. I hope Willie makes the final if only because he’s perhaps not got that many more finals left. 9
- Charlie Nicholas: On his day, one of the two most skilful players in the country, the other being Davie Cooper. Charlie takes a bit of stopping when he’s in the mood. Charlie has magnificent skills and can turn a game in the same way as the Coop. Defenders try to mark him tight and they know they can’t afford to take their eyes off him for a second. A potential match winner in every game. 8
- Alex McLeish: Big Eck has done really well for himself, hasn’t he? It was a pretty traumatic time for him this season losing his sidekick Willie Miller but he’s handled it magnificently and it’s made him stand up for himself more as an individual. Apart from giving away that penalty against East Germany, and there was no way I was not going to mention that, he’s had a magnificent season as his player of the year awards indicate. 9
- Hans Gillhaus: Magic, another great signing by Alex Smith. I feel sorry for him as far as the Dutch international football is concerned when you think of the competition he’s up against with the likes of Van Basten and Gullit but at least he’s been recognised by the new Dutch team boss and could yet make it to the World Cup finals. He’s scored some great goals for Aberdeen and none better than the one he got in his first game against us. It’s always us isn’t it? I think he’s a great player. 9
- Paul Mason: Paul came under pressure from the moment Alex Smith signed him simply because nobody here knew anything about him but he has come in and held his place as well scoring goals. I remember two of them at Hampden Park in some cup or other but I prefer to forget that or I’ll go right off him. 7
- Eoin Jess: The boy handled his appearance in the Skol Cup final very well indeed and showed a composure beyond his years. Then there was that splendid game he had against Celtic at Parkhead last week. It’s always difficult for a young player to break into top football in the Premier Division but he’s certainly one for the future. 7
- Jim Bett: Has class written all over his play and it’s no surprise he’s one of the first names pencilled in for the World Cup finals. Jim’s work is not always appreciated by the punters but believe me those runs and that vision make him a dream to play with. It’s not very nice to be on the other side when Jazza is in the mood. 9
Aberdeen total: 112
Celtic
- Pat Bonner: Packy’s had a pretty good season at club and international level and while the Celtic defence has had a fair it of criticism the keeper has done really well. It must be very difficult when things are not going so well in front of you. It puts an extra burden on the last line but the big man is an unflappable character and enjoys the big occasion. 8
- Paul McStay: This is the best player in the Celtic team without a doubt and has been now for many years. Paul’s a great talent. He has all the skills, vision second to none and is a superb passer of the ball as well as a scorer for Celtic. A pedigree player. 9
- Darius Wdowczyk: This guy’s a really good player and you can see why he’s a Polish international. He’s got a good left foot, can score goals and can tackle a bit, too. He’s a well-organised player who has had to work hard in a team that has been going through the mill a bit this season but has the confidence and experience not to let it affect his own standard of play. 8
- Derek Whyte: It’s difficult for Derek and Paul Elliott in the centre of defence because I believe Celtic badly miss big Roy Aitken. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. To be honest, I think Derek badly misses Roy’s influence on the park and it will take time to develop his partnership with Paul Elliott. 7
- Paul Elliott: The big fellow has come on leaps and bounds since joining Celtic. For the first three or four games I thought he struggled a little bit but give credit where it’s due. Paul has come on to a game and shown that he is a very capable player with a good turn of pace and has served Celtic at the back. He’s picked up a booking or two in the process but he’ll be an asset at Hampden. 8
- Chris Morris: Chris was a fantastic player at right back last season but I honestly think he’s struggling to produce that form just now. He’s not having a particularly bad season and is playing well enough but by his own standards his form has dipped a little in keeping with the way his team have been performing. But there’s nothing like a cup final for giving you back your touch.
- Jacki Dziekanowski: I really like this player for the fact that he, like Charlie Nicholas, is capable of turning a game. He’s maybe not as skilful as Charlie, but he’s a good player. But while he certainly will have to be watched by the Aberdeen defence, I don’t see him posing as much of a threat as Gillhaus will at the other end. 8
- Billy Stark: I’m really a big fan of Billy Stark. Anyone who can score double figures in goals from midfield most seasons has got to be a force to be reckoned with, and I think he’s got more than 100 league goals to his credit. The only question about Billy is his fitness this season. If he is in the final team, he’ll be a major threat coming from through the middle of the park. 8
- Peter Grant: Peter does well for Celtic, particularly when used as a foil for Paul McStay. When Celtic last won the championship, I can remember that far back, two or three seasons ago, that was their main strength in the middle. Peter has suffered like the rest of the Celtic team this season, but when on form he is uncompromising in the tackle and can pass well, allowing Paul McStay to play the kind of football we know he can. 8
- Joe Miller: Joe’s an Aberdeen old boy and he’ll be desperate to do well in a big cup final against his former club. Joe scored the winner against us in the final last season, I’m sure he’d settle for that again, though I doubt if it will happen for him against this Aberdeen team. 7
- Mike Galloway: Mike was forced to play a few games at centre half when Paul Elliott was injured, and proved that he’s definitely not a centre half. He’s a hard-working, reliable midfielder who’ll get a goal or two for you in the process. 7
- Anton Rogan: Anton has received a lot of criticism, some of it undeserved, but what you can’t take away from him is that he is a right good Celtic man. He’ll play his heart out for the team, any time, and I wouldn’t have him out of the team, especially against us! Seriously, a hard grafter of a player. 7
- Tommy Coyne: Tommy scored the Celtic goal that put us out of the Scottish Cup this season, but he’s struggling to find the back of the net with any consistency. He needs to come good, as do Celtic, in the final. Tommy’s failure, and that of the others up front, is reflected in the poor goals for record they have this season. 7
- Steve Fulton: Like Eoin Jess for Aberdeen, Steve is one for the future, and is a player I like. He made the breakthrough last season, but has not been a regular in this one. He’s a good performer who probably needs a good run in the first team before he’ll be able to show his best form. 7
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