Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood is delighted his side's CIS Insurance Cup semi-final against Dundee United is taking place at Tynecastle.The Dons boss highlighted the Edinburgh venue as one of his favourite grounds in Scotland to visit.

The other last-four fixture, between Rangers and Hearts, is being held at Hampden Park, but Calderwood is content for his players to have to beat United first before they can contemplate visiting the national stadium.

He said: "I think it is going to be a tough match, but we are playing at Tynecastle which would be one of my preferred neutral grounds as games there are always great fun and we should have a good support down with us which always makes a difference."

Calderwood believes Aberdeen reaching their first final since 2000 would add significantly to a season where his team are still in the mix on all fronts.

The Dons remain in the race to finish third in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and both domestic cup competitions, while a glamour tie against Bayern Munich in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup is nearing ever closer.

Aberdeen's league form has been inconsistent of late and they were defeated by Hearts on Saturday.

But Calderwood hopes Aberdeen can reach the final on March 16 because that would guarantee his side will still have something to play for come springtime.

He said: "We've done really well and there was disappointment on Saturday again in the league, but if we do get to a cup final then it will put a bit of icing on the cake.

"It keeps the season going because the final is in the middle of March."

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