By Graeme Dey

LEIGH GRIFFITHS (pictured) is hoping Sunday’s ALBA Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle will bring a change of fortune for him in the Fair City of Perth.

The Dundee and Scotland under-21 internationalist striker has played at final venue McDiarmid Park twice before—and finished on the losing side on both occasions.

“The only times I’ve played there before was for Livingston against St Johnstone and we lost both games,’’ said Griffiths.

“I just hope it’s a case of third time lucky this week.

“It’s a massive game for the team and the fact that it’s my first ever major final makes it even more special for me.

“I won a few trophies when I was younger— including the Scottish Cup with my boys’ club Leith Athletic—which I still remember.

“But this is the real thing as far as my professional career is concerned so hopefully I’ll get off to winning start.

“I don’t think you could say that we’re favourites.

“Both of us are pushing for promotion to the SPL and have hit form in recent weeks.

“Inverness had a difficult start to the season but since then they’ve picked up so we’re under no illusions how tough it will be on Sunday.

“We gave two sloppy goals away when we drew with them 2-2 at Dens Park in the league earlier in the season and didn’t take our chances.

“This time we’ll need to be tighter at the back and more ruthless in front of goal.”

Meanwhile, Adam Rooney insists Inverness are desperate to lift the cup —because it’s a tournament they set store by and success in it could spur them on to pip the Dens Park side in the first division title race.

“This is a massive game and nobody here is underestimating the value of this competition,’’ said the Caley striker.

“I’ve heard some people say it’s not the most prestigious trophy, but that’s definitely not how we’re looking at things.

“Winning a cup would give us a huge boost. It would put a big spring in everyone’s step and the spin-offs could prove so valuable in the long-term.

“The league championship is obviously the top priority but if we’re to do that we’ll need as much confidence as we can get and that comes from winning, especially in occasions such as cup finals.’’