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€

Just one more... when we beat the Huns in the final  :thumbsup:

Just one more... when we beat the Huns in the final  :thumbsup:

 

I had actually typed that very sentence but deleted it before posting cos I didn't want to tempt fate 

Not a mackie fan by any streech of the imagination but well done loon

enjoy your pints the night

 

Get in

 

Strachan GIRUY

Diamond not the only one with a sore face, in the immediate aftermath of the goal I somehow managed to punch myself really hard on the eye socket.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worth it though...  

 

In a really perverse way, last weeks injury time equaliser for the Micks has now become a really happy moment.  Without that body blow, tonight would never have hapened.

 

 

I love you Aberdeen, from a very drunk, sore, proud and happy Christian the Slater!

 

CTS

 

First thing I though of was all the minks in the south stand

 

 

ha ha ha

 

Fucking Awesome!

 

Even won £40 on an acumulator, great day all round.

YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSS!! That felt sooo goood.

spot the mistake on the sky sports page

 

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2967869,00.html

 

 

Do any of these players actually play for us anymore?

 

No, but see those guys in the background...

 

 

I haven't felt like that since Dnipro

 

Thats exactly what I was saying tonight, especially after we scored!

 

Was telling my Mum how Northfield Quine had to keep reminding me to breathe when we were watching Dnipro game!

 

I was watching last 10 mins through my fingers, and really thought I was going to be sick!

 

Better avoid the psychiatrists at work tomorrow, or they will think I'm manic lol 

 

Just one more... when we beat the Huns in the final  :thumbsup:

 

2 more; the above and when we slide all the way up to 3rd in the League at season's end.  :thumbsup:

As per Dnipro, migraine set in with about 15 mins to go and I remained under my jersey for the rest of the game. Still fucking sore just now!

 

Cheers Jimmy and the team for a fucking brilliant season.

 

 

Nothing yet - gotta win the Cup then I'll go nuts!

 

 

News just in...

 

A big delivery of viagra is due at Parkhead today, as they haven't managed a semi all season! 

No, but see those guys in the background...

 

 

 

Its at Ibrox as well

In the excitement of the other night, I forgot to say it was good to see Norman Goldie at the game. First time I have seen him since he was beaten up, he even did a wee tap dance for us when we recognised him outside the ground