Ross County must believe they can win cup - Ferguson
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.
By Keir Murray
Former County midfielder Ferguson holds the Scottish Cup
As Ross County's players prepare for the biggest match of their lives, one of their former stars insists they are capable of completing their fairytale by lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The mid-table Division One club stunned SPL giants Celtic and Hibs on their run to the final, and now face top flight opposition once again in the shape of Dundee United.
And former Ranger and Hearts midfielder Derek Ferguson, who joined the Staggies in 2000 after returning from Australia, said County should take full advantage of their status as rank outsiders.
"There is no pressure on County, they should just go out and enjoy the occasion," said the 42-year-old former Rangers and Hearts midfielder who enjoyed a professional career that spanned 23 seasons.
"They are the underdogs and they have nothing to lose.
"They are a good passing side - they need to make sure that part of their game is there on Saturday. On top of all that, they just need a bit of luck.
Having finished third in the Scottish Premier League, behind the Old Firm duo, United are firm favourites with pundits and bookmakers alike.
But Ferguson, for all he admires what manager Peter Houston has achieved at Tannadice, thinks the Terrors will have their work cut out dealing with County's youthful, progressive and ambitious manager Derek Adams. His tactical nous will be tested at the Hampden showpiece.
Yet, after County's stunning 2-0 win over Celtic in the semi-final, Ferguson reckons Adams's team-talk will be one of the easiest he has given.
"Derek will instil a belief in his players. He'll tell them 'Look, you have got to be believe you can win the Cup. You have beaten Celtic at Hampden, you have that experience; now use that to your benefit'," added Ferguson.
"He'll tell them just to go out and express themselves, to play with the same quality and at the same tempo as the Celtic game.
"He has to ask his players, 'Do you want to become club and Scottish Cup legends? Do you want to make history?'
"'You can do that by going out there and giving it your all. You might never get to play in another cup final. Seize the chance.
"'People will look back and ask, 'who were the players from that small club that won the cup?'
"The players will be raring to go."
Ferguson, now a pundit for BBC Radio Scotland, is pleased things have worked out so well for Adams.
He said: "Derek is hungry to succeed and has worked hard as a manager. It's great for him that he's got his dad George at the club.
"Every manager needs someone he can speak to in confidence, and George has terrific experience.
"Derek has brought in the right players. He has created a team with a good blend of youth and experience and there are some strong characters in that team. That is essential if you want to win matches.
"I think he will set them out just as he did against Celtic in the semi-final. They played brilliantly that day."
Ferguson may go to Hampden, but admits he has a notion to take in the match on TV - but there is no doubt where his affections will lie after his stint with County.
"Things weren't working out for me in Australia," said Ferguson.
"I was at Adelaide Force when I got a call from County's chairman Roy McGregor to see if I wanted to come home to play for them.
"I jumped at the chance and I'm delighted that I did. It's a great club.
"My family all have a soft spot for County. We were so well looked after in Dingwall. They are really lovely people at the club.
"I'm thinking of wearing my old Ross County club tie and going down my local pub to watch the game.
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