Kofi Balmer insists Motherwell will use Rangers 'missed opportunity' as motivation to get back to Hampden

Kofi Balmer's record in cup competitions is a case of close but no cigar. But the Northern Irishman hopes Motherwell can spark up another run to Hampden against St Johnstone this afternoon and stub out the lingering pain of their League Cup semi defeat to Rangers two months ago.

Balmer admits the Steelmen passed up a big opportunity against Philippe Clement’s side after throwing away a 1-0 half time lead to lose 2-1.

Four years earlier he was part of the Ballymena United side that suffered Irish Cup Final agony in extra time against Glentoran at Windsor Park.

But the double national stadium heartache is all the incentive the 24-year-old needs as he embarks on his first venture in the Scottish Cup. He said: “Yes, that is motivation but we'll have to take one game at a time because we're not there yet. We've got to get through the rounds before we can even start thinking about being at Hampden.

“But for everyone, that would be massive. Not only for the players but for the fans as well because it's a big occasion for everyone - going to Hampden, playing in the semi-final and hopefully a final.

“We performed well in the Rangers semi final. A slip of concentration can cost you. You have to always be concentrating because they can punish you if you’re not. I think for us, it was maybe a missed opportunity. Hopefully we will get that opportunity again and we will put it right.”

Balmer was a substitute as his boyhood club Ballymena suffered cup final heartbreak in the last minutes of extra time against Glentoran in 2020.

He said: “It was a great experience for me. I was young. Unfortunately I didn't start the game but I still played my part and came on and did what I could.

“It is a massive occasion. In the cups back home, if