I Went From Being Rank Mcnaughton To Brink Of Cup Glory

Apr 6 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Cardiff V Barnsley Today, Wembley, Kick-Off 4pm Live Sky Sports 1

KEVIN McNAUGHTON scored a horror own goal against FA Cup minnows Chasetown and feared endless TV re-runs would make him a national laughing stock if Cardiff crashed out.

At that moment Wembley Stadium seemed a million miles away.

But now the Scot can look back on his cock-up - against a team who play in the British Gas Business Southern League Division One - and laugh.

Because Kev is gearing up for an FA Cup last-four clash with Barnsley that could mean a showpiece final to look forward to AND a place in Europe.

Although even if they lift the trophy Cardiff's UEFA Cup place isn't yet guaranteed. FA rules deem them ineligible to represent England but UEFA chief Michel Platini has intervened and the beaks are now reconsidering.

The uncertainty isn't worrying the former Aberdeen full-back though. McNaughton had a bigger fight at ramshackle Scholars Ground and allows himself a wry smile at the mention of third-round opponents Chasetown.

Cardiff's cup dream was almost wrecked at the first hurdle when he scored an OG after 17 minutes.

However, Dave Jones' side recovered to win 3-1 and after beating Hereford, Wolves and Middlesbrough they're in the semis and dreaming of glory.

Kevin said: "After the own goal I was just thinking to myself 'This game will be played over and over again if Chasetown end up winning'. It was a relief to get that victory.

"All the build-up was for a giant-killing because they were the lowest ranked team left. My goal made a game of it!

"It was good to get that tie out of the way because it's a tough place to play.

"It was like a junior ground and isn't one of my greatest memories. But if we reach the FA Cup Final I'll put it all to the back of my mind. A lot of fuss has been made about the semi-final and if we win we can make a big song and dance about it.

"But we're still one game away from being happy. We'll deserve to get into Europe if we win it."

McNaughton admits it was a wrench to leave Dons in 2006 but the simple fact is the Pittodrie club can't match Championship wages.

Kev loves life at Ninian Park yet feels for his old club who have lost Russell Anderson, Michael Hart and Chris Clark to England.

He said: "If I'd signed at Aberdeen I'd probably have been there for the rest ofmy career. But I made the right decision, even though it was tough.

"I've enjoyed it down here, the football is quicker and more physical.

"It's tough for Aberdeen because they want to hold on to their best players but can't compete financially.

"The incentive for Championship teams is to reach the Premiership. At Aberdeen you're always going to struggle against the Old Firm.

"I'd say to boys like Barry Nicholson, who's out of contract, if he feels it's time to move then go for it.

"Here the stadiums are bigger, the crowds are better and there's more to aim for because of the play-offs."

McNaughton has impressed so much this season that new Scotland boss George Burley has taken note.

The 25-year-old was due to be in Burley's first squad for the friendly against Croatia but injury ruled him out.

A couple of Wembley appearances won't do his prospects any harm and Kev said: "The injury was a blow because every time I seem to be in and around the squad I've pulled my hamstring.

"One of the reasons for moving was to improve and push for that Scotland spot. My last cap was against Sweden four years ago and I want more."