Steven MacLean saw a picture of St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup win in the programme for last Saturday’s semi-final and admitted it gave him goosebumps.
Now at 36, he has the chance to add a third winners medal to his collection when Hearts take on Celtic in this year’s final on Saturday 25 May.
MacLean netted the crucial second goal against Dundee when St Johnstone won the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park back in 2014.
He was also on the bench for Rangers when they triumphed against Dundee in 2003 thanks to Lorenzo Amoruso’s second half winner.
But it’s the day with Saints that evokes the special memories given MacLean’s involvement. “I was involved in one with Rangers as a youngster too but it’s not quite as special as when you play,” he explained.
“I was a sub in 2003 when big Amo scored with his header to beat Dundee.
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“I was actually coming on but Arthur Numan got injured and Kevin Muscat came on instead.
“That was the year that we won the league on the final day of the season and I think half the boys had been out from the Sunday to the Thursday.
“That’s probably why I got on the bench.
“I went up for my medal, but I feel like a bit of a fraud if I haven’t played. That’s maybe harsh, but you know what I mean. When you play it makes you feel more special.
“It would definitely mean more to climb the steps having played this time.
“The one with St Johnstone was great and when I saw the picture of that win in the semi-final programme on Saturday it gave me goosebumps.
“Hopefully we can go and win it with this group of players and create more special memories.
“It’s had to compare because Hearts are a bigger club with more expectation.
“It was Saints’ first ever win and I think to be honest each one is special.
“The days after the St Johnstone win were special. Scenes! Late nights and long days!
“I try not to look back as you want to go and achieve again. But when I look back at times with the boys it was great. I did it with my mates and that’s special.”
MacLean had to travel to Inverclyde the days after the 2014 win to continue with his coaching badges, although admits he wasn’t in peak condition to learn the ropes.
“I was rattling for a week. I wanted to go out again!” He said. “When I got there everyone was congratulating me and to be honest you still get people coming up to you years after the event.
“Look at the Hearts teams that have won the cup – they have their own hall of fame dinners!”
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This year’s final will differ slightly in that it will take place at the national stadium, and when pushed MacLean conceded that it does add that little bit extra to the occasion, especially if you win.
“I don’t know – maybe going up the stairs to collect the cup would be more special,” he replied when asked.
“Parkhead is a great arena and some would say it’s a better stadium – I’d say that.
“But Hampden has the history and going up to collect the trophy there would make a difference.
“Maybe going up the steps to get a trophy would be the one thing I missed on cup final day with Saints (which took place on a podium on pitch).
“Coming to Hearts you hope for opportunities, but finals don’t come around a lot so you have to take them when you get the chance.
“In a cup final – it’s what happens on the day. Anything can happen.”
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