Football: BREW'S GUNNING FOR A CUP DOUBLE

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jul 29, 2007 | by IAN BROADLEY

CRAIG BREWSTER has vowed to end his career in a blaze of glory by grabbing a cup double.

The striker scored the winner for Dundee United against Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final. Now he has set his sights on repeating the feat at Aberdeen to bring the curtain down and his glittering career.

The veteran will return to Tannadice on Saturday for the first time since being sacked as their player-manager.

But he insisted that he's not out for revenge - just getting Aberdeen off to a flier.

And Brew is ready to play beyond his 41st birthday to pursue his dream of a cup double.

He said: "That chapter in my life at Tannadice is well and truly closed. I never look back, only forward.

"I had a great time and got results at Inverness but that just didn't happen at United. End of story! Craig Levein took over and has done an excellent job and I told him that. Obviously, I'd love to be involved in the first game there but I won't be any more motivated to win than in any other. "I know there aren't a lot of playing days left and I'm preparing for the day I quit but not just yet.

"I'm very fortunate still to be competing at my age at this level and so I'm determined to savour every moment.

"There is a real possibility that I will play on beyond my present contract which ends in December.

"If I feel I can help the team because I keep surprising myself with my fitness and I just do my bit and the manager knows he can rely on me then it would be great. I still enjoy training and playing and have felt really good in pre-season.

"There is no pressure on me to go out every week trying to earn a new deal. I've always said I'd like to try management again and, hopefully, the opportunity will arise someday.

"The one thing that's missing at Aberdeen has been a good cup run and we need to put one together this time.

"Everyone wants a Scottish Cup run. I've been fortunate enough to win it with Dundee United. I'll never forget it and neither will the fans.

"It's very special to win a trophy and it would be even better to win another before I hang up the boots."

In six months with the Dons, and during their tour of Egypt, Brewster has seen enough to be confident about the future.

He said: "I've enjoyed working under Jimmy again although it was a bit strange at first, going from being a manager to a player again. Over the last three years there's been a steady progression at Pittodrie.

"When the crunch came against Rangers in our final match last season, when everything was on the line and we had to win, the boys were tremendous.

"That result summed up the season and it was a tremendous achievement.

"We have players capable of digging really deep and who are winners.And the more you have, of those guys the better your chance of lifting a trophy. The manager knows he can rely on us. Aberdeen have a squad which has improved each year.

"The boss has done an outstanding job building it and still showing a profit. You only have to look at his record to see how successful he is.

"There is now serious competition for places and players realise this.

"I'm really excited about the future and I'm confident Aberdeen will have another great season.