BIG MATCH BUILD-UP: Jinky's Fit For Cup Tie

Last updated : 14 March 2008 By Stand Free Ed

ABERDEEN'S UEFA Cup hero Jamie Smith is fit to face former club Celtic at Pittodrie on Sunday.

'Jinky' has recovered from a hamstring strain picked up in the home game with the Gorgie hatchet men, and he is now targeting a repeat of his performance in Aberdeen's 4-0 pumping of FC Copenhagen in December.

And as reported in Aberdeen-Mad on Tuesday, Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood will now decide whether to play Smith alongside top scorer Lee Miller and statistically Aberdeen's best striker Steve Lovell in a three-pronged attack.

Calderwood said that Smith's availability is a huge bonus, with dynamic midfielder Barry Nicholson suspended for the massive cup-tie.

He said: "Jamie trained yesterday and everybody got a boost from seeing him back on the pitch. Jamie brings that extra bit of class to everything.

"We are missing one of our best players in Barry Nicholson but Jamie has a lot of enthusiasm and can play in a number of positions.

"He has been a bit of a talisman for us in the games he has played in and he has scored important goals.



Calderwood believes Aberdeen's season would be boosted immesurably by a win on Sunday, and was quick to outline the importance of the game.

He said: "This match could change everything. It would put us into the semi-finals and there are a lot of Premier League teams who have gone out already.

"It will be a massive task to beat Celtic, they are the champions, but if you are going to win a cup then you have to beat one of the Old Firm at some stage.

"We have not beaten Celtic for a while, especially at Pittodrie, but it could change the whole outlook at the club.

"The Scottish Cup is also our shortest route back into Europe, it may be the only one given our league form recently."



Tickets for the Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Celtic are still on general sale, at normal SPL prices.

So get yourself along to Pittodrie and help lift the Dons like the Rangers game last May - Sunday's game is at least as important as that one!

Those wishing to purchase tickets for the game must have a previous booking history with AFC.