Blackburn United under-17s captain Josh McGowan has called on his team-mates to grasp the chance to reach the Scottish Cup final with both hands.
United take on Airdrie United in Sunday’s semi-final at Volunteer Park in Armadale.
Local lad McGowan admits that while there’s pride in reaching this stage, he’s determined to take the next step and lead his team out in a national final.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “It’s an amazing achievement to get this far but we’re wanting more. We want to make sure we get to the final.
“There’s a huge sense of pride to have the chance to play in a game like this and I’m sure that’s the same for everyone.
“I’m a Blackburn boy and it would mean everything to win this game. We’ve been brilliant this season but to make it to the Scottish Cup final would be something else.”
He added: “We go into the game full of confidence but we know we have to be at the top of our game because Airdrie are a great side.
“But it’s a chance to reach the national cup final and we all want to make sure we take it.”
Coach and secretary Gavin Wallace says the side’s success speaks volumes about the club as a whole and has called on the local community to make the short trip to Armadale to cheer on his side.
He commented: “Blackburn’s just a wee village. For a team to get to the Scottish Cup semi-final is incredible but we want to get that step further. We don’t want to stop now.
“The boys have been on a great run for the last 18 months and they deserve to be in this game, absolutely.
“There’s a lot of local boys and a few like Josh who have been at the club right through the age groups. It’s testament to everyone at the club that the lads have got themselves to this stage of the competition.”
He added: “The games we’ve played against them will mean absolutely nothing because form goes out the window in games like this. It’ll be a case of who performs the best on the day but we’re confident that will be our lads.
“It would be amazing to get a good crowd through to support the boys and the village. That could really give them an extra wee boost that might make all the difference.”
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