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.

Cowie played beside County manager Derek Adams

By John Barnes

Former Ross County midfielder Don Cowie says the calming influence of Derek Adams will help the players preparing for Saturday's Scottish Cup final.

Cowie, who is now at Watford, played beside Adams at the Dingwall club.

"Derek's very calm. He's not putting too much pressure on them. There's maybe more pressure on Dundee United than Ross County," said Cowie.

"For County to get to the final is an achievement. I'm sure he'll emphasise that to take pressure off the players."

And the 27-year-old midfielder added: "People won't be expecting too much from them on Saturday, so they can go out and give a right good show of themselves."

Cowie is not surprised the County manager is enjoying success at the Highland club. And he is impressed by the way they have bounced back from three years ago when they were relegated from the First Division.

"When I played alongside Derek he was assistant manager at the same time," explained Cowie.

"You could tell management was the next step for him. He's taken to it very well and taking the club to the Scottish Cup final - what an achievement for him.

"The turnaround has been incredible. In hindsight, it's probably been a blessing in disguise being relegated.

My parents live five miles from Dingwall so I've been there the past week and the buzz about the place is unbelievable Watford midfielder Don Cowie

"They managed to restructure the place and they've come back even stronger. I'm just absolutely delighted for them."

Cowie will not be at Hampden but will cheer on County from his armchair as he watches the final on BBC Scotland.

"My parents live five miles from Dingwall so I've been there the past week and the buzz about the place is unbelievable," he said.

"I'm not managing to get to the game, but I'll certainly be watching it on TV just hoping they can get the victory."

The Scotland midfielder is relaxing after his first full season with Watford since joining from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in January 2009.

He added: "I've managed to establish myself there. I've played an awful lot of games and getting a couple of Scotland caps has been a great achievement.

"I'm loving every minute of it and long may it continue."

His two Scotland caps came in the defeats to Japan and Wales in friendly internationals last autumn. That was under former boss George Burley and now he is determined to gain further appearances under new manager Craig Levein.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Can Ross County lift the Scottish Cup on Saturday?

"Once you've had a wee taste of it you want more," said Cowie.

"I didn't manage to make the last squad, but it's up to me to try and progress and do better in the coming season and catch the eye of Craig Levein."

Before moving to Watford, Cowie was linked with Scottish champions Rangers. But should the opportunity arise to join one of the Glasgow giants in the future, it is one he would accept.

"I was very flattered to get linked with such a great club in Rangers," admitted Cowie.

"When you think of Scottish football you think of Rangers and Celtic. To maybe play for one of them would be some achievement.

"But I'm totally focused on playing for Watford and really enjoying it. Hopefully I can do well for them next year and if anything happens we'll just wait and see."

Cowie was speaking at the launch of the Alzheimer Scotland Collection which will take place at Hampden on Saturday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version