Ally McCoist's incredibly honest pre-match ratings of Aberdeen and Celtic ahead of 1990 Scottish Cup final
Aberdeen and Celtic are gearing up to lock horns in this weekend's Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
The Hoops also provided the opposition when the Dons last won the national competition in a mammoth penalty shootout in 1990.
In the build-up to the 1990 final, the Press and Journal featured four pages of player ratings compiled by then Rangers striker Ally McCoist.
McCoist, who was only 27 at the time and Rangers' top scorer that season, provided a detailed analysis of each player.
It was clear McCoist, who now works as a pundit, fancied the Dons to come out on top at Hampden, which they eventually did when Brian Irvine slotted home the winning penalty.
Here is McCoist's analysis of the Aberdeen and Celtic squads ahead of the 1990 final, including his mark out of 10 for every player.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Press and Journal
3 hours ago
- Press and Journal
REVEALED: The English Premier League star Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris watches before games for inspiration
Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris has revealed he studies footage of an England international and Premier League legend in a bid to further improve his game. Morris played a pivotal role in the Dons' Scottish Cup final win against Celtic as the Reds won the trophy for the first time since 1990. The 23-year-old made an explosive impact off the bench when his cross was parried into his own net by Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel. In a memorable season, Scottish Cup-winning hero Morris also scooped the Aberdeen Player of the Year award – voted for by supporters. However, he is constantly striving to improve his performances and watches footage of Raheem Sterling for inspiration before matches. Sterling, 30, won four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and five League Cups with Manchester City. Currently at Chelsea, the winger – capped 82 times by England – has scored 174 career goals and spent last season on loan at Arsenal. Morris said: 'I still watch clips of Raheem Sterling from his Manchester City days to study his movement. 'Of course, at Arsenal he hasn't been the same as he was before at City, but it's him as a person I look up to. 'I want to improve so even before games sometimes I'll study Sterling online. 'He has pace, but he's also got the skill to make the most of that, so I'm trying to add stuff that he did. 'I like to think I'm slowly getting better at that so I can help the team as much as possible.' Signed from Fleetwood Town in summer 2022, Morris endured a frustrating first two seasons at Pittodrie due to injury. In his debut season, the winger suffered a hamstring tear which ruled him out for four months. There was a further injury setback in the 2023-24 season when Morris was ruled out for three months with another hamstring injury which required surgery. However, under manager Jimmy Thelin, the wing star has delivered a breakout season with five goals and 13 assists. In his constant pursuit of improvement, Morris has also sought advice from former Scotland international winger Robert Snodgrass. Former Leeds United, Aston Villa, West Ham and Norwich City star Snodgrass is now an agent. Capped 28 times, Snodgrass is with the same agency as Morris' representative. Morris hopes guidance from Snodgrass can help him develop into 'something really special'. He said: 'I've also got a good support system around me with my agent Joe Bolger, as we do a lot of analysis. 'Robert Snodgrass is also part of the agency and we do a lot of stuff together as well. 'He was a winger and quite a technical player – although he didn't have as much pace as me. 'In fact, he told me: 'I didn't have your pace, but I've got the other side of the game'. 'So if he can help me with that other side then hopefully I can merge into something really special.' Morris may have been seeking advice from Snodgrass and inspiration from Sterling on how to elevate his game to the next level. However, he has also been passing on his own knowledge to help younger players develop. Morris helped fellow Londoner Alfie Dorrington during his loan spell at Pittodrie from Tottenham Hotspur. Centre-back Dorrington started the Scottish Cup final win against Celtic at Hampden. The 20-year-old has now returned to his parent club. Prior to joining Aberdeen on loan. Dorrington signed an extended contract with Tottenham until summer 2029. Morris said: 'When Alfie first came up, I knew he hadn't played much first-team football so I really tried to help him. 'I told him how things were really different compared to London, and he settled in well. 'Alfie showed he's a really good player technically and built on that physical side. 'I think he's only going to get better and better – you can see why Spurs rate him so highly.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Aberdeen ‘set to battle Premiership rivals in transfer race for SPFL side's top scorer'
ABERDEEN have reportedly entered the race for one of Scottish football's hottest properties - but face stiff competition from several clubs. Jimmy Thelin is aiming to add more quality to his Scottish Cup winning squad this summer and one position he's looking at is a new striker. 2 Jimmy Thelin is keen to add to his squad Credit: Andrew Barr 2 He could snap up a top player in Scotland Credit: Willie Vass Kevin Nisbet is set to return to Millwall following his loan spell, while Oday Dabbagh's future at Pittodrie is currently unclear despite the Dons having an option to sign him permanently from Charleroi. Aberdeen have yet to trigger a deal for the Palestinian forward as things stand. Thelin, 47, is assessing his options elsewhere and is expected to complete at least one swoop for another hitman. And it looks like he's found his next man right here in Scotland. The Belfast Telegraph claim Aberdeen are readying move for Ross County talisman Ronan Hale. Hale, 26, is currently with the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Iceland, but he will have a decision to make on his future when he returns to Dingwall. The former Cliftonville striker is expected to leave the Staggies after just one year following their relegation to the Championship. Hale scored two goals against Livingston in the Premiership play-off but he couldn't prevent his side from the drop and has likely played his last game for the club. It's said Aberdeen will face a battle to sign him as Dundee are also interested, along with a host of English clubs. EFL League One sides Wigan Athletic, Luton Town and Port Vale have all been reportedly keeping tabs on him as well. Aberdeen's Scottish Cup-winning heroes greeted by thousands on open top bus parade through the city after beating Celtic Hale scored 18 goals in all competitions for Ross County during the 2024/25 campaign. He could make his international bow for Michael O'Neil's side in the coming days after switching allegiances from the Republic of Ireland this year. The Staggies will command a healthy fee for the 26-year-old after he penned a three-year deal when he arrived at Dingwall last year. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Russell Martin can transform Rangers as ex-owner loves him
And to this day, the ex-MK Dons owner insists he loves Martin dearly for the work he did at his beloved club. Winkelman gave the Rangers managerial candidate his big break in management in the English lower leagues. The 39-year-old had the Dons playing free-flowing football and quickly attracted the attentions of Swansea. But it wasn't just what he delivered on the pitch. His old boss says he brought the whole club together as his impact went beyond just the training pitch and a game on a Saturday. Winkelman told the Scottish Sun: "I love the man. I wish him every success. Read more: On-loan Rangers star makes Ibrox admission as future remains unclear European side consider Rangers coach as next manager and launch 'enquiry' 'He will bring a hell of a lot to Rangers. It won't just be a little tweak here or there to what happens on the pitch. 'Throughout the club, he'll get everyone together. 'Russ has an understanding of the whole club, and great knowledge of how all the parts come together. 'It's not just about coaching for him, he understands how the club all fits. 'This is probably the kind of talk that impressed the Rangers bosses in his interview. 'You need that understanding if you're competing at the top of the Premiership. It's as tough as it can be. 'I'll be thrilled for him if he gets the job. I'll be excited to see what he can do. 'Rangers will certainly be an attractive team to watch if Russ gets the job. 'I'll be watching for Rangers' results now. You tend to do that with people you really like.' Winkelman once appointed Roberto Di Matteo, who went onto win the Champions League with Chelsea, and former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince. He holds Martin in similar regard, adding: 'Russ was one of the best appointments I made, and I like to think I made a few. 'I gave Roberto Di Matteo his first job, and he ended up winning the Champions League with Chelsea. 'I gave Paul Ince his second job in management and that went well, too. 'I'm quite pleased with my track record in appointing managers.
