THE DEFEND IS NIGH

Shinnie warns Dons face even bigger challenge trying to keep the trophy

- SCOTT BURNS

GRAEME SHINNIE admits it was massive to win the Scottish Cup - and it would be an even bigger challenge for Aberdeen to try to keep a hold of it.

The last time a team outside Glasgow's big two won consecutive Scottish Cups, it was the Dons back in the 1980s - making it three in a row from 1982 to 84.

The Pittodrie side make the first defence of their trophy when Raith visit Pittodrie tomorrow and hope it will be the start of a journey that takes them back to Hampden.

The Cup-winning skipper said: "It would be the first team outside of the Old Firm.

"It had been 35 years since the last time we won it. You don't want to wait that long and if you can win it back-to-back then even better. It is really difficult to do.

"At the start of every season, the cups are huge and you want to give yourselves opportunities."