Neil Critchley throws down Scottish Cup gauntlet to Hearts stars – 'Who has won something in their career?'
Neil Critchley wants his debut crack at the Scottish Cup to end with a Hampden bash - and not a bloody nose in Brechin.
The Hearts boss gets his first taste of the competition in Friday's live televised fourth round clash with the Highland League leaders at Glebe Park. Critchley revealed he asked his squad this week how many had won a major medal in their career. Outside goalkeepers Craig Gordon and Zander Clark and new signing Jamie McCart the response was muted.
But Critchley wants his players to be a big noise in this year’s competition - and that means avoiding any slip up at Glebe Park tonight. The former Blackpool and QPR boss - who has a play-off winners medal from his time with the Seasiders - said: “This football club should have an expectation of being successful. I like that. It's nice to work at a football club where winning is expected. The Scottish Cup is obviously a massive competition. I said to the players this week, I didn't ask for a show of hands, but who's won something in their career?
“Obviously, Zander, he's not shy in reminding us of his cup exploits, etc. I know, there's one, maybe two more. There's not many and that's an incentive for the group. You want to win things, you want to be successful in your career.
“We're ambitious and I'm no different. We'd love nothing more than to get to Hampden and pick up a piece of silverware. But I promise you, Friday night, we know what we're going to face. We know it's going to be a tough game and we need to be right at it.
“I’ve not actually ever been to Brechin. I've been watching videos and I've seen the pitch and stuff like that and the surroundings and the infamous hedge. I've seen that. I'm looking forward to going. I like these games. It's what the cup's about. Hopefully we're just on the right end of the scoreline.”
Hearts haven’t lifted the trophy since 2012 but have lost three finals since then. They’ve also suffered the humiliation of being dumped out by Highland League opposition four years ago after a 2-1 defeat at Brora Rangers. Critchley said: “I’m very well aware of the 2012. People at the club who were here then remind me and tell me about the celebrations the day after and how important it was, and what a great time for the supporters and the city.
“I know we've been close in the last few years as well. But we've also suffered a cup upset ourselves in recent history, so we've had all kinds of different ends of the spectrum, and it would be nice to be always at the right end. I'm excited by my debut in the Scottish Cup. Difficult tie to start with, away from home. But, yeah, the romance of the cup is still alive in my head, that is for certain.
“It gives you a genuine chance of going to Hampden Park and winning a trophy. That's our aim. Outside of that, everyone's looking to see where our shock's going to happen.”
