Fit-again McNamara determined to make up for lost time

 

By Michael Gannon

 

Published: 17/03/2008

 

Jackie McNamara is determined to make up for lost time at Aberdeen, starting against his old club Celtic in the Scottish Cup replay at Parkhead tomorrow night.

 

The Dons defender has been plagued by injuries at Pittodrie, making just 10 starts in the SPL this season and three substitute appearances. He came off the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Gretna following six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring strain.

 

Goals from Chris Maguire, Lee Miller and Barry Nicholson helped Aberdeen cruise to victory against stricken Gretna, but their attention is now firmly on tomorrow’s cup replay.

 

McNamara admitted his disappointment at missing big games, including the Uefa Cup last 32 matches against Bayern Munich, but insisted there are still huge challenges ahead.

 

He said: “It has been frustrating for me. I have not played as many games as I would have wanted. I have had a few niggling injuries.

 

“It was hard to miss out on so many big games such as the European matches against Bayern. But there are still big games left.â€

 

McNamara thought Aberdeen had earned their place in the semi-finals last week until Celtic’s stoppage time equaliser but now he is hoping to silence his former club’s supporters in the replay.

 

He said: “I thought we had done enough to get through in the first game, but it was not to be. Celtic showed the never-say-die attitude they always have, but we had enough chances to get through.

 

“Everyone knows you have to take your chances against the Old Firm and that is something we will need to do tomorrow. They will not be taking us lightly but the onus will be on them.

 

“Their supporters will be expecting to win and we have to try to frustrate them.

 

“It is a massive opportunity for us. Queen of the South would be a hard match in the semi-finals, they would have nothing to lose, but there is a great chance of getting all the way to the final if we can get past Celtic.â€

 

McNamara insisted it was vital to win against Gretna to keep alive their hopes of a top six SPL finish. He said: “We were in a no-win situation. It was a case of being professional and getting the three points we needed to try to get into the top six.â€

Christ man make your mind up!

 

2 hours until train time, better get a move on

 

Got me a childs ticket  Want to swap? You look a bit younger and have student card 

GET IN TAE TIMMY!!

Got me a childs ticket  Want to swap? You look a bit younger and have student card 

 

As long as i dont end up being turfed out im fine with that! dont kids go free for this one?......

I'm just waiting for the game to start, so come on Aberdeen, and let's get theese tattie munchers beaten. I want the Scottish Cup, so let's make it happen, starting tonight.

 

COME ON YOU REDS!!!

 

At my Mum's to watch it as I've only got cooncil telly....

 

Added bonus as got my tea made for me, and free beer 

 

C'mon ewe reds! 

Anyone else not got the link for red tv coming up??

comeonyereds

i don't have the link either...

wtf am I paying my subscription fee for red tv sort out this crap!!!!

I thought elbowing in the face had to be dealt with by the means of a red card? 

 

If this is the case why is JVOH not off the pitch for elbowing Diamond TWICE?

Yeeeessssssssssssssssssssssss!

 

Mon you reds!

Christ, this is killing me, a heart attack or ulcer will be on it's way at this rate.......

I want to switch it off and put it back on in 5 mins to avoid the stress, but I just can't do it!

 

Come on you reds!

 

 

Anyone know the date for the final??? i'm offshore for the semi and trying to find out for the final

Ya beauty! Justice is served at last. Should've have been through the last time, but i'll take it now. Just woke the bairn up too with my shouting. Now i'm in the bad books............worth it though!

Yaaaaaaaaasssss miiiiiinn!

 

Cheerio tims. 

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

YYYAAAASSSSS

 

Belated Happy St Patricks Day  :wave:

 

I thought Maybury and Souter were immense. Also thought Diamond and Severin had good games.

 

This result is satisfactory.

That was alright.

 

I feel a fire stirring in my belly again.

Felt sick those last 5/10mins. Could just see it all happening again.

 

Over the moon.

 

The most nervous last 15mins of my life. Finals the 24th may. Just after my birthday. We beat the huns last year around the same time and I want the cup this time.

C'mon Partick.

I thought elbowing in the face had to be dealt with by the means of a red card? 

 

If this is the case why is JVOH not off the pitch for elbowing Diamond TWICE?

 

even one of my mate who has slightly timish leanings agreed with me that he should have been carded atleast.

 

Thing is though; the tims took out zander... any one notice seve getting some heavey treatment aswell - how donati(?) escaped a card for karate chopping him I dont know...  You reckon strachan gave the tim players instructions to take them out?

I haven't felt like that since Dnipro

 

Don't know if I can handle many more games like that this season!