Langfield looks for final fling

Langfield is looking forward to semi-final clash

Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield is aiming to end a long wait for a Dons' cup final appearance when they take on Dundee United on Tuesday evening.

The match at Tynecastle is the first of this year's CIS Cup semi-finals.

And the Pittodrie side have not walked out at Hampden Park since 2000 when they lost 4-0 to Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.

"Everyone's looking forward to this one, it would mean everything to reach Hampden with Aberdeen," he said.

Press conference: Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood

Press conference: Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield

The Dons have a proud history in the competition having won it five times, reaching the final on a further seven occasions.

For a club the size of Aberdeen it's disappointing it's been so long Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield

The last of the five successes was their last trophy, when they defeated Dundee 2-0 in the 1995 final.

And the Dons number one wants he and his team-mates to add their own success to those of the past at the expense of Craig Levein's men.

"For a club the size of Aberdeen it's disappointing it's been so long since it was at a cup final," he added.

"We'd like to make our own wee bit of history and take the club into a final and try and win it.

"To get to a major final would be a great achievement.

"And if you can't be up for game like Tuesday's then you never will."

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood is once again lamenting a series of injuries that have dented his squad for most of the season, but insists the Dons will be fully prepared for their Tynecastle test.

Steve Lovell and Dan Smith have been added to a list that already includes Sone Aluko, Richie Byrne, Michael Hart.

We know how much it means to the Aberdeen supporters to make finals Jimmy Calderwood

Captain Scott Severin, Jamie Smith and Derek Young are all doubtful for the semi after leaving the field early in Saturday's 1-0 league defeat by Hearts.

New signing Stuart Duff is cup-tied having featured for United in an earlier cup match.

"It's not ideal preparation but that seems to be the way it's been this season," the manager said.

"I'm optimistic that some of those doubtful will still make it.

"We know how much it means to the Aberdeen supporters to make finals.

"We think we've done reasonably well since we came here but a cup final has eluded us so far, hopefully that'll change on Tuesday.

"I think it is going to be a tough match, but we are playing at Tynecastle which would be one of my preferred neutral grounds," added Calderwood.

"Games there are always great fun and we should have a good support down with us which always makes a difference.

"We've done really well and there was disappointment on Saturday again in the league, but if we do get to a cup final then it will put a bit of icing on the cake.

"It keeps the season going because the final is in the middle of March."