Cup heroes of 1990 have ensured that Aberdeen are feeling the heat today

It’s 29 years since Aberdeen last lifted the Scottish Cup.

That’s why Derek McInnes insists it’s nonsense to claim Celtic are under the most pressure at Hampden Park today.

The Dons manager has gone on record to claim any team can win one trophy – but the good ones collect a lot more.

It certainly frustrates McInnes that the 2014 League Cup win against Inverness Caley Thistle is only silverware he’s secured in six years at Pittodrie.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic have done more than most to thwart his ambition, beating Aberdeen in their last three final appearances.

Now he’ll be hoping Neil Lennon’s return to Celtic Park is a lucky omen as he was in charge when the Dons beat them 2-1 there in the Scottish Cup five years ago.

That’s the only time McInnes has tasted success against the Hoops as Aberdeen boss in either cup competition.

However, after knocking out Rangers in an Ibrox replay in the last round, McInnes is convinced his side will go on to lift the trophy for the first time since 1990’s penalty shoot-out win against Celtic.

He said: “There is still a pressure and demand from ourselves to get into another final, then to go that next step and win it.

“I get the fact Celtic will be firm favourites, but I still think there is the same pressure on us to deliver.

“They have spent more on players and accumulated a very good squad, but I have no doubt we have the performance within us to beat them.

“There has been nothing between us in our last four meetings, including last season when we won at Parkhead when we needed it to clinch second place in the league.

“In all of these games, I felt that we could get something right up until the referee’s last whistle.

“That gives me confidence that we have the performance in us to deliver the win on Sunday.

“When the ball rolls, my team will be ready and confident about delivering that performance.”

Putting the emphasis on youth should help as Aberdeen aren’t carrying the baggage of senior pros who have suffered so many defeats in the past.

Aberdeen will miss the influence of experienced captain Graeme Shinnie, who is suspended for the tie, while Gary Mackay-Steven and Shay Logan are injured.

On the plus side, no fewer than six starters will be 23 or under, including highly rated stand-in skipper, Scott McKenna.

McInnes added: “Certainly our younger ones this season have had a more positive big-game experience.

“Criticism comes from losing by big margins, and you can be scarred by that.

“I think it’s testament to the good work by everybody at the club that we have remained competitive while bringing through good young players.

“They have all stood up in games like the league game at Ibrox, when we got the win despite playing for an hour with just 10 men.

“That was just days after losing the League Cup Final to Celtic and a lot of players would have gone under.

“But they didn’t, which speaks volumes.”