Rhys McCabe admits a youthful euphoria robbed him of any memory of his dream Old Firm debut as a teenager. Now, almost exactly 12 years on from that 3-2 win over Celtic at Ibrox, the former Rangers midfielder is determined to savour every moment of his first cup final as a rookie manager.McCabe will become the youngest ever boss to lift the SPFL Trust Trophy if his Airdrie side can overcome Welsh champions TNS at Falkirk tomorrow.
The 31-year-old has been a revelation since taking over the Diamonds at the age of just 29 and led them to promotion back into the Championship via the play-offs in his first season in charge.Now he’s steered them into the final of the Challenge Cup.
And he’s desperate to create memories that will last a lifetime. Unlike his third appearance for Rangers - a 100mph Old Firm battle on March 25, 2012 - that passed by in a blur.McCabe, whose only winners’ medal as a player came with a League One triumph at Dunfermline eight years ago, said: "In terms of silverware, this would trump everything."Making that Old Firm debut was a dream come true.
I was trying to make my name in the game. I was up against Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama and Joe Ledley. It was a very strong, competitive Celtic side and a lot of them had great careers internationally and down the road in England."It's hard to remember the game itself.
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