They are just 90 minutes away from writing their names into the history books but Nigel Hasselbaink insists that despite everything that is at stake on Saturday in the William Hill Scottish Cup Final, the St Johnstone players will not freeze at Celtic Park.
That belief stems from the confidence Saints have generated throughout this season, going all the way back to their Europa League triumph over Rosenborg in Norway back in July.
Now, the 23-year-old Dutchman is determined to help his side win what will be the biggest game of his career to date and secure the club’s first major trophy.
Hasselbaink said: “My nerves are high at the moment, but I was expecting that. It is my first cup final since I played youth, it is the first cup final for the club and for most of the players it’s our first cup final.
“The oldest cup in the world can be won so we know what is at stake. Everybody is very excited. I mean the town, the fans and the players are really all in this together.
“The atmosphere is going to be incredible because we have sold almost 15,000 tickets.
“Everyone from the city will be at the game. It is our chance to make history for the club it is our chance to become history makers. But we won’t freeze. It’s a big game and we are professional.
“We have built up our confidence over the season because we have done so well. No one will be stressed and we won’t freeze on the day. There will be a terrific atmosphere inside the ground and we can use that to our advantage.”
Hasselbaink added: “We had 10,000 fans in for the Europa League games and before this cup final that was probably the biggest game I had ever played in.
“But Saturday will be the biggest. People are coming from all over the world to support us. We have never been in the Scottish Cup Final before and it’s a historic occasion for everyone.
“When I joined the club I didn’t realise they had never won a major cup final. I didn’t even realise that not so long ago they were in the First Division.
“But like I say, this is our chance to make history so we know exactly what is at stake.”
Hasselbaink admitted he will have an even bigger incentive than most to win a Scottish Cup medal after believing that his chance for silverware had escaped his grasp after leaving Paisley for Perth.
He added: “I left St Mirren and the club won the League Cup. You wonder if your chance to win a trophy has gone. St Mirren did well to win the cup and I was pleased for them at the time.
“But this is my chance now and I want to take it. It might not happen again for me in my career.”
Hasselbaink admitted it would be a dream come true for him if he was lucky enough to score the winning goal for Saints against Dundee United.
He added: “I would love to start the game every player wants to start a cup final. But if I don’t then I hope to come on and win it.”