'We know what it means': Jimmy Thelin eyes Scottish Cup triumph with Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin saw his side defeat Hearts to reach the Scottish Cup final, and said his team will give everything to try and lift the trophy.

Oday Dabbagh’s extra-time goal against nine-man Hearts settled a tight contest at the national stadium, after Aberdeen had taken the lead from Papa Gueye’s header only to be pegged by a Lawrence Shankland equaliser.

Michael Steinwener was sent off for Hearts in the first half and Cammy Devlin saw red deep into extra time. Thelin said his side had to keep a cool head and be patient but that the only important thing was to win the tie.

“Hearts started well and we were under pressure,” he said. “The red card helped to get more calmness in our team. But we know from experience that when they’re a man down, there’s less space for us to play.

“We kept pushing and adding fresh players. The subs added energy and finally we had that extra punch to win the game. Now we have to celebrate.”

Sunday’s semi-final will decide whether Aberdeen will be facing Celtic or St Johnstone in the showpiece match next month and regardless of the opposition, Thelin said his side will be pushing to end the season with a memorable day at the national stadium.

“We don’t need extra motivation,” he said. “We know what it means, and we will try to achieve something.

“I’m happy and it’s nice to be in my first final. You can hear after the game the supporters, players and staff are all so connected.

“For me it means a lot and now we will try to do our best to win it. As a manager and as a player you don’t get many chances to reach a cup final so we have to enjoy it.

“A final is more than football. It’s emotions, expectations, everything around it. That’s why cup games are so difficult.

“You never know and you can see that from the results this season. The best way to learn how to handle that is to live it.”

The Swedish manager was delighted with the efforts of everyone who contributed but had particular praise for matchwinner Oday Dabbagh.

“We have specific players with different abilities,” he said.

“Dabbagh is a really good box player and you see that in the training. Whether there is a rebound or tap-in, he’s always there.

“Of course we didn’t’ want to go to penalties as you never know what can happen, so today everyone is very happy.”