Winning goal for fans here... and those supporting me in Palestine

ODAY DABBAGH is hopeful his Scottish Cup semi-final winner brought some much-needed relief to the people of Gaza City - no matter how brief - on Saturday.

- By Scott Burns

The Palestinian striker came off the bench late in the second half to fire Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen past Hearts with an extra time strike.

And, while Reds fans are dreaming of lifting the cup for the first time in 35 years, the 26-year-old is also aware his moment of magic will have provided a small chink of positivity in what has been a difficult time for the people of war-torn Palestine.

Dabbagh said: "I'm very happy for scoring the winning goal and to be in the final. It's an incredible feeling.

"I'm very happy for everyone supporting me from here and from Palestine.

"The fans deserve everything. Thanks for supporting us."

Dabbagh has scored throughout his career but reckons his weekend glory goal might just top the lot.

He recalled: "I just remember when the ball hit the net, I was so happy and I ran towards the supporters. It was a really good feeling, an incredible feeling.