Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels has urged his players to treat this weekend's Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against Ayr United as just another game.
The Kilmarnock boss knows the chance to book a meeting with Falkirk or Celtic in the Hampden final is a big deal for his team.
Yet he has made a conscious effort to play down the idea that they are on the verge of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Shiels said: "I'm looking more for the opposite effect. I want them to understand that it's a game of football.
"If they can focus on endeavouring to win a game of football, that's the key.
"The rewards obviously are in their heads but we want to try to eliminate that from their thoughts and try to get them to focus on winning a game of football."
On the prospect of reaching the final, Shiels added: "It would be great. I really would be so proud to do that.
"Outside of the Old Firm, the opportunities don't come that often.
"It's my first season in Scotland and it would be really, really good.
"I would be very proud personally but I would also be proud for the club and the players."
While Shiels has been keen to play down the occasion, Ayr midfielder Alan Trouten knows Saturday's clash for himself and his team-mates could be the biggest match of their careers.
He said: "The boys are absolutely buzzing. It's probably going to be the biggest game for most of us.
"We are all looking forward to it and hopefully we can do ourselves justice on Saturday and get into the final.
"It will be the biggest game of my career by far."
But, having already knocked out Inverness, Hearts and St Mirren so far, Trouten insists Irn-Bru First Division side Ayr have no intention of simply making up the numbers.
He said: "We think we've got a good chance. We have already beaten three SPL teams in the cup.
"After one or two, you think it's down to a bit of luck. But, after three, people have got to look at us as being a good side and we are looking to get the victory against Kilmarnock.
"We won't be thinking we are just glad to be in a semi-final - we are going there to win the game and we want to be in the final as much as Kilmarnock.
"In any game you go into, you always put pressure on yourself.
"Maybe people from outside will be saying all the pressure is on Kilmarnock but we won't be going there just to make up the numbers.
"We'll be there to give it a right good go."
Post Comment
