Jeff Vows To Make Gran Gesture

Sep 21 2008 Gavin Berry

ABERDEEN'S League Cup semi-final mauling by Dundee United last season was a numbing low for Jeffrey De Visscher - but his anguish had nothing to do with the Tynecastle result.

The Dons' Dutchman flew back to his homeland on the day of the 4-1 defeat after gaffer Jimmy Calderwood gave him time off to visit his terminally ill grandmother Mieke.

Despite the enormity of the match, football was put firmly in perspective for the stricken star. And De Visscher was glad he made the emotional journey to Holland as his gran died two days after he arrived home.

Now the 27-year-old midfielder is desperate to do his gran's memory proud and help Dons make up for their last-four disaster by clinching a Co-operative Cup quarter-final spot at Kilmarnock's expense.

De Visscher said: "The League Cup was disappointing for us last season with the heavy defeat to United.

"That was also a bad time personally because my gran was terminally ill and I flew back to Holland to visit her on the day of the semi-final.

"I had to return home and say goodbye to her because my parents had phoned me to say I had to make the trip within two weeks or it would be too late.

"It's at times like that you realise there are more important things than football.

"My gran was a big influence on my life and career and always supported me whatever club I was at.

"She died two days after my visit so I was glad I made the trip.

"My mind was in a different place but I still looked up Aberdeen's result on the internet and it was disappointing to lose.

"But if we get to the semi-final again I want to be part of it, especially after losing to Queen of the South at the same stage of the Scottish Cup.

"I'd also like to get a medal for my gran's memory - I'm sure she'd love that if she's looking down."

Dons will be out for Rugby Park revenge after losing 3-1 on their last visit to the Ayrshire ground in the SPL last season.

De Visscher said: "That tells us everything about how difficult a game Kilmarnock is."

Meanwhile, Killie gaffer Jim Jefferies is convinced home advantage against Aberdeen can provide the springboard for another Hampden appearance. The Rugby Park men were thumped 5-1 by Hibs in the 2007 League Cup showpiece but Jeff insists they now have a real chance to go one better.

He said: "We are at home and have to capitalise on that.

"I have told the players this is a great chance to knock another Premier club out and with a wee break in the draw you could suddenly find yourself in the semi-finals like we did last year.

"But we have to beat Aberdeen first and know how tough that is going to be.

"Their manager Jimmy Calderwood has been shouting about their poor form at home so maybe we should have played them up there!

"But Jimmy knows Rugby Park is always a tough place to get a win from.

"We have a good record against them at home so we're looking forward to it."