Cup Set Me On Conway

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

WINGER Craig Conway landed a dreammove to Dundee United on the back of a sparkling Scottish Cup display for Ayr United.

Now, two years on, the 22-year-old aims to shine again in a knockout tournament to help the Arabs land a place in the CIS Cup Final.

Conway turned on the style for the Honest Men in 2006 when they held Inverness to a 1-1 draw before losing 2-0 in the replay.

And he impressed Caley Thistle boss Craig Brewster so much that he made him one of his first captures after moving from the Highlands to Tannadice. Brewster didn't stay in charge for long but Conway is enjoying life under new gaffer Craig Levein.

And a victory over Aberdeen in the CIS Cup semi-final on Tuesday would round off an unbelievable start to the campaign.

He said: "A cup tie earnedme my switch to United when Brewster spotted me.

"You always think if you can stick out in games you might get a move to a bigger club.

"But three years ago I could never have imagined playing for a team sitting third in the SPL and talking about semi-finals. It has been a successful move for me."

Conway feared for his Tannadice future when Levein replaced Brewster in October 2006. But rather than discard him Levein believes the winger can be a key player.

That's why Conway wants to repay his manager's faith by gunning down Aberdeen.

He said: "The gaffer has been great with me and it's good to know he has so much faith.

"It would be brilliant to get to a final as I've never played at Hampden. My last final was with Caledonian Boys Club at 15."