NafisaAlex McLeish has claimed Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin could defy expectations and spring a Cup final surprise if he mirrors his Birmingham success formula.
The Dons face a daunting task as they head into Saturday’s final against a Celtic side chasing a domestic treble.
Brendan Rodgers’ second-string outfit thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie earlier this month, and he’s expected to field his strongest lineup at Hampden as they aim to secure the clean sweep.
The Pittodrie icon experienced a similar challenge in the 2011 League Cup final when his Birmingham team faced off against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
Birmingham battled from behind to famously overcome the Gunners 2-1 and clinch the trophy, courtesy of Obafemi Martins’ dramatic late winner.
McLeish said: “You would have to say Celtic will be firm favourites but in a one-off game anything can happen.
“I know that from experience when we lifted the cup at Birmingham City. Not many people fancied us to beat Arsenal but we did.
“We went into that game with a strategy and a plan to stifle their attacking players.
“We worked on it, stuck to it, got a bit of luck and in the end we lifted the cup.
“Jimmy Thelin has to come up with his own strategy that he feels will help Aberdeen get a result against Celtic.
“We all know Celtic are a top team and the odds are against the Dons but we have seen a lot bigger upsets than this throughout the years.
“If Jimmy and his players can get their game plan right then they will give themselves a chance.
“I know the result wasn’t great against Celtic the last time out but they did get a good result at Celtic Park in the first game.
“They have done it before and have to believe they can do it again.”
This is Thelin’s debut campaign in Scottish football and McLeish would be thrilled to see it culminate in silverware.
He was the last Aberdeen skipper to hoist the Scottish Cup — that came 35 years ago when they defeated Celtic via a penalty shootout.
McLeish recognises this season has brought mixed fortunes for the ex-Elfsborg boss.
The former Don confessed: “The start of the season they were absolutely electric. They were a team who were flying, full of energy and confidence.
“They were up at the top of the league and it was real high tempo stuff, from the pressing to their tracking back.
“They then had a bit of a dip but have found a wee bit more consistency in making the top six.
“If Jimmy and his players can regain that feeling they had at the start of the season and get their tactics right then they will give themselves a chance.
“The key is trying to nullify Celtic’s strengths. I know they have a lot and if they can take their chances at the other end then you never know what could happen.”
Thelin has already spoken with Aberdeen’s most iconic manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, this term.
He met him at Celtic Park after their 2-2 draw and later joined him as a guest for a Manchester United match.
McLeish knows his old gaffer’s mindset would always be to challenge Celtic and Rangers — just like he did during Aberdeen’s glory years.
McLeish won four Scottish Cups under Ferguson and a fifth under Alex Smith and Jocky Scott. The former Scotland manager acknowledged: “Listen, you know, the one guy the boss always loved was whenever we played Celtic and Rangers.
“He wanted us to play against them and all the other top teams speed.
“They have speed as well but if you have pace, a bit of thought and there is a game plan then he always thought we could nullify their threats.
“I know the times have changed and Celtic and Rangers are two enormous clubs but one a one-off you can always give them a game and get a result.
“That is what Aberdeen needs to look to do. If would be great if Jimmy could follow in Sir Alex’s footsteps and lift the Scottish Cup.”
It would be especially poignant if they could achieve that on the anniversary of the club’s most recent Scottish Cup success.
McLeish wore the armband that day as it went to penalties, with Theo Snelders saving from Anton Rogan and Brian Irvine scoring the decisive spot-kick.
“I had some great memories in the Scottish Cup,” McLeish recalled. “I won it five times so it wasn’t a bad competition for me.
“I think I won four under the boss and then the final one under Alex and Jocky (Scott).
“That final one was special. Every cup and league win is special but that day I will remember because I was Aberdeen captain.
“To lift that trophy was special and is a moment I will never forget.”
Nafisa
