Interim manager Peter Leven has told his side that Aberdeen will be a hero if they win the Scottish Cup this season.
The Dons haven’t won the trophy since 1990 and Leven is determined to end the 34-year drought.
Aberdeen will face Scottish Cup winners and Premiership leaders Celtic at Hampden today.
In addition to the titles themselves, winning the Scottish Cup would also guarantee European-level organisational football next season.
The winners of the cup qualify for the Europa League play-offs, just one home-and-away match away from the organisation stage, and with the protection of progressing to Conference League teams if they lose the play-offs.
Leven will remain in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season following the appointment of Jimmy Thelin as Aberdeen’s new manager.
Elfborg coach Thelin, 46, will make his debut in Pittodrie on June 3.
Leven is determined to sell a team that won the Scottish Cup and qualified for Europe.
He said: “As a team, we told them they could be heroes here for a long, long time if they won the Scottish Cup.
“It’s been a long time since a club like this hasn’t won it since 1990.
“There’s a big prize because it’s the Scottish Cup.
“I’ve said this to the guys who don’t know him: winning is a huge trophy in Scottish football.
“It’s two games.
“We go into Saturday believing we can win.
“And if in the final you have a chance.
“We just have to keep believing, and the day will come when you never know what can happen. “
Aberdeen will play Captain Graeme Shinnie in Hampden.
Midfielder Shinnie, 32, is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the 3-1 quarter-final loss to Kilmarnock.
Shinnie booked referee John Beaton for simulation, despite a foul by James Balagizi.
Despite being suspended, Leven revealed that the captain will continue to play a key role in the clash at Hampden.
Leven said: “The suspension of our captain is a mistake.
“But he’ll be there for the guys because it’s vital that he cares about preparation.
“I want him in the locker room. Shinnie and Jonny (Hayes) are essential in the dressing room on a day-to-day basis, respecting the criteria and making sure the guys don’t slack off.
“Shinnie and Jonny are on this. “
Leven will be part of Thelin’s squad next season as an assistant coach in the first team.
Aberdeen reached the semi-finals with Leven on a four-match unbeaten run.
Under his interim management, the Reds have conceded two goals in the last five games, leaving three clean sheets.
Strengthen the Dons’ elusive basic defense to Leven.
And that newfound solidity at the back will be important against Celtic at Hampden.
He said: “I tried to adjust everything and make sure we were given blank sheets.
“If you get sheets, you build a foundation with them.
“We haven’t scored in two games and they’re a team we have to get up to.
“But if you have a blank slate, you still have a chance. “
Aberdeen played back-to-back goalless draws against Hampden, Dundee and Livingston.
While acknowledging the desire to remain forged at the back in the semi-finals, Leven aims to “give a chance” and provide a potent attacking threat.
He said, “I said to them, ‘Believe in yourselves. Let’s overlook it, because it’s a unique game and anything can happen. ‘”
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