Craig Henderson admits he’s back enjoying his football again – and he wants to continue his fine start to life at Broxburn Athletic with a cup derby victory.
The 21-year-old former Livingston winger was a summer arrival from Lowland League side East Stirling and has become a focal point for gaffer Chris Townsley.
He scored the Brox’s goal in the league clash with Blackburn United earlier this month but he’ll gladly sacrifice his name on the scoresheet for win on Saturday and West Lothian bragging rights.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “It’s a bit different with it being a cup game as well as a derby game. It definitely makes it that wee bit more special.
“We had a brilliant result at the weekend so we go into it with confidence. It was a very tough game against them last time and we know how good they are, but we’re all looking forward to it.
“There’s an excellent incentive with it being a derby but regardless of who you’re playing, you just want to go on a cup run. It adds a wee bit of excitement to the season if you’re able to progress in the Scottish Cup.”
The Athletic players will certainly be up for the game but Henderson admits the wise old heads within the squad will make sure nobody gets too carried away.
He commented: “There’s a few of the guys who have done well in this cup and have had decent careers.
“They know what it’s all about and they’ve been here before. I don’t think it will be an issue with the boys at all but they’ll make sure everyone is focused on the task.
“I’m really enjoying being here. It’s a breath of fresh air for me because I didn’t really enjoy my football last season.
“Everyone at this club has been great for me and I’m loving being at Broxburn.”
The youngster wasn’t part of the club at the time but he’s well aware of their cup run three seasons ago and the importance and impact repeating that achievement could have at Albyn Park.
But he’s not thinking that far ahead just yet.
He commented: “The gaffer played in that game and he was talking about it after our match on Saturday.
“It’s something to aspire to and it’s something you want to replicate. It was a brilliant achievement for the club but you can’t look too far ahead or you’ll get caught out.
“The focus is all towards the Blackburn game and we know we need to be at our best to win that.”
He added: “We want to get a wee run in the cup. There’s personal pride and it would be great for everyone connected with the club but it’s one game at a time.
“We know that they’ll cause problems and make it difficult for us, just like they did in the league game, but we just have to stand up to it and make sure we produce on the day.
“If we can do that, we know it’s a game we can win. You want to have those local bragging rights.”
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