Caley Thistle defender Josh Meekings says the sleepless nights that followed his Scottish Cup semi-final ordeal will all have been worthwhile if Inverness capture the silverware on May 30.
Meekings’ handball from Leigh Griffiths’ header in last month’s 3-2 semi-final victory against Celtic was not penalised by referee Steven McLean at a crucial stage in the game. The award of a penalty would have given Celtic the chance to go 2-0 up against 10 men.
However, after helping Inverness claw back to win the match, Meekings days later found himself cited by the SFA’s compliance officer Tony McGlennan for denying a scoring opportunity through deliberate handball.
Meekings faced missing the final against Falkirk at Hampden Park but he was ultimately cleared to play after successfully pleading his case to a three-man panel.
The 22-year-old was left drained by the ordeal but helping Caley Jags win their first ever major silverware would more than make up for it.
Meekings said: “It was unbelievable. I didn’t expect all that to happen. Obviously, there was a lot to sort out and it was a long few days.
“There were a few sleepless nights, that’s for sure. It was just the not knowing.
“I had it last year as well after the League Cup semi-final.
“My sending-off against Hearts got rescinded to a yellow so I could play.
“I never seem to have it very easy going into cup finals.
“It was an incredible week. Social media was going crazy and there were people from all over the world and supporters of different clubs getting in touch with me to offer their support.
“There were managers and coaches coming out and saying I should be able to play. The support was great but it was a bit unreal.
“There was a bit of stick but that’s part and parcel of football. Supporters don’t like seeing their team lose.
“I said straight after the game the ball hit my hand but it was in no way deliberate.
“I didn’t have time to react deliberately. The whole thing just escalated and became so much bigger than I would have imagined.
“My friends messaged me and said it was on national news all over the world. It was a handball in a semi-final in Scotland but it felt like it was being talked about everywhere.
“I’m glad it is all behind me.”
Meekings’ defensive partner Gary Warren was not so fortunate, however, with his yellow card against Celtic ruling him out of the final.
It is rotten luck for Warren, who also missed last season’s League Cup final defeat against Aberdeen through suspension, and Meekings is determined to secure a winner’s medal for the 30-year-old.
Meekings added: “It’s tough on Gary. He has helped us get to the final. He has played a massive part for me personally and the team in the league and cup this season.
“Our defensive record has been good this year and a lot of that has been down to him.
“I will be going out there to win the cup for him, 100%. We’d love to get him a medal.”