I'd Love Drama Of An Old Firm Final

Mar 16 2008 By Mark Guidi

GORDON STRACHAN admits he'd love an Old Firm Scottish Cup Final - and hopes it could repeat the drama and excitement of the 2002 showpiece that Rangers won 3-2.

The Celtic gaffer was a spectator that day as Alex McLeish's team won with a last-gasp Peter Lovenkrands goal to see off Martin O'Neill's side.

Strachan obviously envisages a different outcome and knows his troops will need to get past Aberdeen on Tuesday night to edge his wish closer to becoming a reality.

He said: "It would be great to be involved in the final. It's always good to take your season to the last game although it usually involves two tired teams which doesn't always make for the best spectacle.

"In fact, perhaps the last really good final was in 2002. That had the lot and kept the fans going until the last minute.

"I was there with my mate who had always wanted to see an Old Firm match.

"If we can get to the final and it's half as exciting as that one the fans will have had value for money." Strachan's side won the cup last May after defeating Dunfermline 1-0 thanks to a late Joe Doumbe goal.

But to retain their grip on the silverware the Hoops will have to beat Aberdeen on Tuesday night for the right to face Queen of the South in the semis next month at Hampden.

Celtic's cup hopes looked to have ended at Pittodrie last Sunday when the Dons held a 1-0 lead with just 30 seconds to go.

But Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink grabbed a dramatic injury-time equaliser to earn his side a replay and leave Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood (far right) standing in stunned disbelief on the touchline.

But Strachan said: "I thought we deserved a draw. Sometimes when you score in the last minute you might feel you've stolen it and there might be a bit of embarrassment as you shake the hand of the opposition manager.

"But I didn't feel that way with Jimmy.

"It means we both live to fight another day. We'll create chances and Aberdeen will also feel they will get opportunities but it's all about taking them on the night."

Strachan will be a guest of Aberdeen next month when the club put on a dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of their European Cup Winners' Cup victory over Real Madrid in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.

The former Dons star is looking forward to the event and said: "I had great times at Aberdeen. The memories will never leave me and I'll cherish the friendships.

"But whenever I come up against any of my old clubs I'm not really sentimental.

"It can end up hurting you badly because maybe the crowd turns on you or something like that. So it's best just to get on with it."