Kevin Thomson knows exactly what it feels like to lift the Scottish Cup having done so for Rangers against Queen of the South in 2008.
Now, he is determined to do the same with Dundee to end 104 years of hurt since the club secured their solitary success in the final of the competition.
The former Scotland midfielder, who has also played for Hibs and Middlesbrough, admitted he and the rest of the Dundee squad are determined to make history by going all the way in this season’s Scottish Cup, starting with a victory over Aberdeen at Dens today.
He said: “I don’t know too much about Dundee’s Scottish Cup history but the club dinner ladies always tell me the last time we were in the final was 2003.
“We haven’t won it for over 100 years which sounds a bit like the Hibees.
“But we have a hungry group who are desperate for success and we are definitely looking forward to the Aberdeen game.
“Regardless of what club you are at, cup runs are great and finals are special moments in your career.
“I have been lucky to play in a few. A lot of good players do not play in cup finals so when the opportunity comes along, you have to grab it with both hands.
“I think we have a good chance this year but it is a massive game on Saturday as Aberdeen are a fine side.
“However, we are a good team as well and if we can apply ourselves the way we’ve done in the last few weeks, then hopefully we can give them a hard time.”
When asked if he felt this was a chance for the Dundee players to make history, Thomson insisted: “Yes, of course it is.
“I am the type of person who believes that regardless if you won the cup last year or 100 years ago, it is a new competition and we have as good a chance as anyone else this season.
“I am not that big a stat man, to be honest, and it was one of my pals who texted me to say the top 14 teams are all playing each other.
“That obviously tells you seven of them are going to go out.
“So it is a great opportunity.”
While that opportunity knocks, Thomson is all too aware of the threat Aberdeen will pose with a good mix of youth and experience in their ranks.
Willo Flood will be missing for the Dons after suffering a hamstring injury earlier this month but another former Middlesbrough team-mate of Thomson’s, Barry Robson, could feature.
He said: “I think they are good side with a very good manager. They are a big club with a large support and I think they have captured that feel-good factor again.
“It wasn’t too long ago that they were down the bottom struggling a little bit but the last few seasons they have been back up there.
“They have a lot of good players like Barry Robson and Willo Flood.
“I know them well as I played with them at Middlesbrough and also against them in Old Firm games.
“Baz is a man’s man and I always got on well with him. He is a winner and he was terrific when I played with him at Middlesbrough.
“I have also had some good battles with him in the past when I played against him and if he does come in, he will add a lot of experience.
“They have hardened pros in there along with dangerous young ones like Peter Pawlett so we will have to be on our guard.
“However, I feel we have enough quality to cause them problems.
“It is up to us to impose ourselves on them and make it difficult.”
Aberdeen are sure to bring a large travelling support with them and Thomson urged the home fans to turn out in big numbers like they have done all season so far.
He said: “I think the supporters have been terrific this year, especially the away fans.
“They have been brilliant and have followed us all over supporting the team.
“It is an old cliche but they have been the 12th man for us so it is important that they get behind us again.
“Aberdeen should bring a big support as well so it should be a great atmosphere.
“It is an early kick-off and hopefully we will be the first name in the hat for the next round.”
Dundee will be without the injured Peter MacDonald, Kyle Letheren and Craig Wighton.