Scottish Cup final: Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie on Celtic heartache in 2017

Shinnie is well aware of Aberdeen’s status as massive underdogs going into the match at Hampden.

A record of 30 games without a win over Celtic.

An aggregate seasonal scoreline of 19-4 between them.

A 6-0 mauling in the League Cup semi-final meeting earlier this term.

The facts are there as reference for the detractors.

Those optimistic at the prospect of the Scottish Cup being adorned in red and white ribbons on Saturday evening are few in number. Few outside of the Granite City will give them a prayer of preventing Celtic collecting a sixth treble in nine seasons.

“We just keep our heads down,” Shinnie added. “We work hard, we prepare for the game in the right way, we set out our own game plan and try to execute that.

“People are going to say what they say. They have validation in what they’re saying. Looking at it, we would be [underdogs] and that’s fine for us.

“The main thing is how we perform and that’s what we’re focussed on preparing for.”

Shinnie had tasted Scottish Cup success two years before Rogic broke his heart, as captain of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

But, at 33, does he view this as a potential last shot at adding to his collection?

“Yes. It’s very difficult to get to finals so you’ve always got to view them as a last chance. You don’t want it to be and you’re always hungry for more.

“Being realistic it could be so you don’t want to pass up the opportunity.”