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Page last updated at 22:47 GMT, Tuesday, 11 May 2010 23:47 UK

Pain of previous cup final defeats spurs Dundee United

ACTIVE NATION SCOTTISH CUP FINAL: DUNDEE UNITED v ROSS COUNTY
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 15 May Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: Live: BBC One Scotland from 1255 BST, BBC Radio Scotland commentary available online (UK only), live text on BBC Sport website. Highlights: BBC One Scotland 2255 BST.


Dundee United midfielder Craig Conway
Conway insists there is no way United will underestimate Ross County

The pain of previous Hampden defeats is a motivating factor for Dundee United as they prepare for Saturday's Scottish Cup final against Ross County.

Midfielder Craig Conway missed from the spot when United lost to Rangers in a cup final shoot-out two years ago.

"We didn't deserved to get beat. It's a gutting feeling. Everybody's mind will be on trying to win that cup," he said.

And coach Paul Hegarty, a four-time Scottish Cup runner-up, has also warned the players about the pain of defeat.

The former Tannadice captain and manager said: "You are talking 16 years since the last time we won the Scottish Cup, so it doesn't happen too often. On the day, you've just got to grab it with both hands.

"It's been well-documented that I've been to four Scottish Cup finals and lost every one. It's not a nice feeling leaving Hampden as runners-up."

And on United's bitter defeat by Rangers in the 2008 Co-operative Insurance Cup final, Hegarty said: "The players have sampled it before and I'm sure they don't want to sample it again. The only problem is Ross County.

"They'll also be looking to win on Saturday and we've got to make sure it doesn't happen."

Dundee United hope and superstition

The coach's respect for Saturday's opponents and his determination to bring the trophy back to Tayside is echoed by Conway.

"They deserved to get into the final," he said. "They have had a great season as well. We've got to go into every game the same way, whether it's Celtic, Rangers or Ross County.

"Everybody's really excited, looking forward to the biggest games of our lives. I'm sure it's the same for both teams. It's a massive game and hopefully we can do the job.

"It's been a big season and we want to end it in the best possible way and that is winning the cup.

"The manager hasn't spoken about the team. Everybody in training is trying to get a place in the first 11 or on the subs bench.

"It's really competitive. That's what you want going into a game like this. Nobody knows the team."

Conway's team-mate Jon Daly is another who has experienced the intensity of the training sessions in the build-up to the Hampden showpiece.

The Irishman told BBC Scotland: "Training has been really high tempo the last couple of days. Everybody wants to show the manager that they are available and everybody will be firing on all cylinders come the end of the week.

"Anybody who thinks we're just going to go there and take the cup is kidding themselves on.

"The manager and his coaching staff have done a lot of homework on Ross County and they'll have us briefed about what they are good at what they are not so good at.

"If we play to our capabilities we've got a great chance of winning."

Meanwhile, Lee Wilkie, the United captain who was forced to retire at only 29 earlier this season, will lead the team out at Hampden.



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see also
Andy Webster's Cup final diary
18 May 10 |  Dundee Utd
County can be heroes - Brewster
11 May 10 |  Ross County
Great Scottish Cup moments
10 Apr 10 |  Scottish Cups
Derek Adams' Cup final diary
14 May 10 |  Ross County


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