Former Dundee United and St Johnstone defender Gary Bollan reckons trying to predict a winner in the Scottish Cup final is as difficult as ‘trying to split hairs’.
The Airdrie manager began his career at United and was an unused substitute when the Tangerines lifted the trophy with their 1-0 triumph over Rangers in 1994.
Following a subsequent spell with Rangers, the full-back spent nearly three years with St Johnstone, playing over 100 times for the McDiarmid Park outfit, before later ending up back at Tannadice for a second stint with his hometown team.
The 41-year-old will be at Celtic Park with family members as a spectator, but believes it is too difficult to forecast which of his old teams will emerge victorious.
He said: “I’ve been impressed with both teams when I’ve seen them and, as with all cup finals, it will come down to whoever performs best on the day.
“Both clubs will be looking forward to the occasion and both teams will go in full of confidence. For a Scottish Cup final you’ve got to have a sense of self-belief.
“It’s huge for St Johnstone, being their first ever final, and they’ve got as good a chance as in any year to win the cup.
“But I’ve seen United quite a lot this season and they play with a lot of flair, with young players who express themselves, and the occasion will not bother them.
“It’s got the makings of a really good game and it’s fantastic for the whole of Tayside. I’m in Dundee and it’s been great for the city and I know there’s a buzz about Perth as well.”
Another former United and Saints star David McCracken believes the final will be a showcase of some of the finest young talent in the country.
He has been dazzled by the impact made by Saints talisman Stevie May, who has belied his inexperience by netting 27 goals this season including a double in the semi-final win over Aberdeen.
Now 32 years of age, McCracken is the steadying influence in a gifted young Falkirk side so he has plenty of appreciation for the way two of his former clubs have put Scottish talent to the fore.
He said: “The clubs have had pretty similar seasons, albeit St Johnstone seem to have got the better of United when the sides have met in the league.
“But one thing is certain: it’s a fixture which will be a great advert for Scottish football. Both clubs are great examples of bringing through youth. St Johnstone have a few real talents and have showed faith in Stevie May, giving him a lot of football at a young age and he has really repaid them.