Last Updated: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:36
St Mirren legend Tony Fitzpatrick has urged the current crop of players to enjoy every moment of their CIS Cup final.
St Mirren legend Tony Fitzpatrick has urged the current crop of players to enjoy every moment of their CIS Cup final experience against Rangers.
The Saints beat Hearts 1-0 on Tuesday to seal their place against Rangers, which will be the club's first appearance at Hampden for 23 years, and Fitzpatrick believes the players must make the most of what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
He told the club website: "I think that the first thing is that a cup final is a massive deal, whatever the tournament. I remember every bit of that day and it was not just the day itself that was so powerful, it was the whole build-up to it too."
Fitzpatrick played in the last St Mirren team to play at Hampden in 1987 when the Saints beat Dundee United 1-0 in the Scottish Cup final and believes the current side, despite their lack of cup-final experience, have no need to fear their mighty opponents.
"There will be nerves and a lot of excitement and the build-up in the week before the game will be something new to the lads. But this is what football is all about and it is a chance for them to write themselves into the history books as the first team to win some silverware since 1987."