Jack MacKenzie aims for Aberdeen cup final redemption this season after suspension heartbreak

Jack MacKenzie says the hurt of missing out on on a cup final with Aberdeen last season has him even more determined to help end their 10-year wait for a trophy.

The full-back was shown a second yellow card for a careless shove on Hibs defender Lewis Miller in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final clash at Hampden last November. before the 10-man Dons secured their place in the final with a late goal from Bojan Miovski. MacKenzie, 24, was then left to watch the showpiece event from the stands as Barry Robson’s side suffered an agonising 1-0 defeat to Rangers, with James Tavernier netting 14 minutes from time.

MacKenzie now has added motivation to ensure Jimmy Thelin’s men go all the way this season. He said: "Getting to the final and losing that way was cruel. I missed the final as I got a stupid suspension. I have fire in my belly to get another chance to play in a final as I cost myself last year.

"The manner of it probably made it worse. But the boys went on to win the game so I didn’t feel as bad. If we had lost the game I would have felt even worse. I just had to stomach not playing in a final and didn’t have anyone to blame apart from myself.

“Final day was difficult but I had full faith that the boys would get it over the line. But on the day it just didn’t happen for us.”

Despite his team’s struggles last season, MacKenzie was a shining light, making 38 appearances to hold down the left-back slot. The Cormack Park youth graduate was pleased with his performances and also reckons he has matured a lot off the pitch.

He added: “Just playing the games was important. It is so difficult to get a rhythm when you come out for a few weeks then play again.

“I really enjoyed it last season. I’m 24 now and need to be