No player is better placed to empathise with semi-final weary St Johnstone fans than David Wotherspoon.
The lifelong Saints supporter has experienced the anguish of watching his team lose in the last four of the Scottish Cup. Been there, done that.
But this time Wotherspoon will be on the pitch for the ninth of their semis rather than in the stand, and he is convinced that Sunday’s clash with Aberdeen can be different from all the rest.
The former Hibs man said: “I was at the semi-final as a fan when we lost to Rangers on penalties at Hampden after Daniel McBreen put us ahead.
“The atmosphere was brilliant that day and I’m sure it will be the same again this weekend.
“We’ve just had a great win at Kilmarnock. Everyone was playing for places. We all had to look sharp going into the Aberdeen game.
“We knew that we couldn’t take our foot off the gas. We have a good run going and we want it to continue.
“That was the first comeback win in my time here and that is another boost for us. Ten points out of 12 means spirits are high going into the semi-final.”
Wotherspoon will probably have the biggest friends and family turn-out at Ibrox of any of the Perth players, but his parents have a good reason for not being among them.
He said: “My mum and dad (Ian and Sheila) will be working at their Hideaway restaurant at Halbeath, unfortunately.
“I imagine the radio will be on behind the scenes. Dad will be trying to keep tabs on the game bobbing in and out of the kitchen.
“Mum does the cooking so I hope the chef doesn’t get distracted and ruin lunch for the customers or get herself burnt!
“My brother Ian is a season-ticket holder. He and his wife Hazel stay in Bridge of Earn and they will be in the stand at Ibrox cheering us on.
“It would be massive for the club if we can reach that first ever Scottish Cup final.
“The more numbers we can get through to Glasgow, the better. There will be a big Aberdeen crowd. You look how many they took to the League Cup final at Celtic Park.
“They made it a great occasion but hopefully our fans will enjoy Sunday. It will be special if we can make the final.”