SEMI HEARTACHE TO SPUR THE DONS ON

ANGUS MacDONALD has insisted last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final heartbreak can help ensure that Aberdeen come away as Hampden heroes this time around.

- Scott Burns

The Dons take on Hearts on Saturday in the first of the last four showdowns, in what is a massive game for both sides.

MacDonald was part of the Aberdeen side, under Peter Leven, that took Celtic all the way to a 3-3 draw in extra-time before they eventually lost on penalties.

MacDonald said: "A Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden is massive.

"I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the boys can get the victory this time.

"It will be tough but this Aberdeen team is more than capable of going to Hampden and winning this game.

"They're playing on a Saturday, I think that’s probably an advantage as well, going out and showing that we’re going to lay a marker down and show whoever's in that final that we’re ready and we're waiting for you.

"Yes, definitely, there is a big rivalry there.

"Obviously, Hearts are going to be hurting after what happened at the weekend.

"They’ve also got some quality and Aberdeen can’t underestimate it, which I’m sure they won't."