The 30-year-old, arguably Dundee’s most consistent performer this term, is not dwelling on those disappointments and, instead, focused on a first meaningful appearance in Glasgow’s East End.

“By the time the cup came round last season, I had already signed a pre-contract here, so I was not really involved at Queen of the South,” said Paton.

“It was still disappointing to get on in the semi and then hear the whistle go before I could get a touch and then not be involved in the final — I did warm up early on because of an injury, but it came to nothing.

“That will always be a regret, but it’s done and what I’m thinking about now is Celtic. I was there a few times with Hibs reserves when I was younger, but this will be my first time in an important game at Parkhead and I am relishing it.”

Despite that, Paton knows, as an experienced campaigner, he will have a role to play, though he points out there are others in the side with more to pass on.

“It will be down to me and the other older players to help the younger ones and I think we’re well covered on that score. Rab Douglas is used to playing in front of big crowds from his time at Celtic, and Jim Lauchlan has plenty of experience as well.”

On top of experience, Paton believes, in Douglas, Dundee have a star man who could be key to them putting up a good show.

“I’ve already lost count of the points he’s saved us this season. If you go right back to the very first league game, he has been making great saves and he’s been worth a good few wins.”

And, while The Hoops have had their fair share of flak during Gordon Strachan’s time in charge, Paton feels Dundee are going to be up against the real deal tomorrow.

“You are always going to get some criticism whatever you do, but no-one should lose sight of the fact we are playing the Scottish champions and that says it all about them. I know they lost a two-goal lead when Dundee United held them last weekend, but the fact that’s such a rare occurrence shows what a quality side they are.

“We will go there aiming to give it our best shot, but we are realistic and we know that, even if we are at our very best, Celtic will have to be off form for us to have a chance.”

With no fitness worries, boss Jocky Scott has the option of an unchanged line-up for the third game running, but his thoughts were more on tactics than personnel.

“It’s really about which formation gives us the best chance of doing well, but, whatever way I decide to go, I think what’s vital is that we have good possession,” he said.

“I know we have a few fans heading through and, if we can get a situation where, by not giving Celtic too many chances and doing well ourselves, we are hearing our fans and getting theirs to turn on the team, that could be a big factor.”

By late this afternoon, Dundee had sold more than 1700 of their Celtic Park ticket allocation and the club shop will be open first thing tomorrow if tickets are required.

Now he wants more in the other knockout competition and knows, if he gets among the goals, he can help the team improve a recent record in the Scottish that’s been disappointing.

“Personally, it’s been a few games since I scored, so I am looking at Sunday as a chance to try to get among the goals again — if selected,” said the big Irishman.

“My hat-trick in the League Cup gave me a lot of confidence and, from a team point of view, it would be nice to get the same kind of success in the Scottish Cup.

“We’ve been to the final of the League Cup last year and we’re in the semis again at the end of the month, but it has not really happened for us in the Scottish. It’s still a competition everyone wants to do well in and we’re no different.”

This will also be a double first for Daly, who’ll be facing The Shire for the first time and, with the tie taking place at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview, will be making his competitive debut on a synthetic surface.

“I have to admit I don’t know much about them, but, by the time we kick off, the manager will have told us what we need to know.

“We will certainly give them the same respect as any other opposition and be prepared for a tough game.

“The fact it’s on a plastic pitch they know means we’ll have to adapt. I’ve had plenty of friendly games and training on these pitches, but this will be the first real game. It’s not a surface I particularly like, but we just have to get on with it and get the job done.”

An indication of how serious United’s approach to this tie is came today when the squad travelled to Ochilview for a special training session.

Leaving nothing to chance, boss Craig Levein has also had the opposition watched fives times in recent weeks and will make sure his players know what to expect.

Darren Dods has been pencilled in to replace suspended skipper Lee Wilkie at the back, leaving the manager to decide who should replace the injured Scott Robertson in midfield — David Robertson and Prince Buaben are the likely candidates.

“It will be one of those two and, whatever the team, it is about getting through — we’ve prepared properly and that’s the aim,” said Craig.

With almost 2000 visiting supporters expected to travel, fans are advised to turn up early to avoid congestion at the gate. United still have some tickets available and they will be on sale at the ticket office tomorrow from 9 am-5 pm.

Chairman Ken Ferguson said, “The club has faced a testing time since the departure of Michael O’Neill and we wanted to ensure we found the right candidate.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and, of course, his managerial career.

Duffy will have everyone available, with the exception of Davie White, who suffered a double fracture of his right leg against Ayr on December 30.

It wasn’t long after that Rangers game, though, that Steven experienced the down side of the game, being kept out for months due to a serious knee injury which required surgery.

“These two goals against Rangers were good ones and that match was undoubtedly the highlight of my career so far,” said Steven as he savoured the prospect of another cup-tie against the Ibrox men, the live televised Scottish Cup encounter at McDiarmid Park this Tuesday evening.

“It was unfortunate that I missed that CIS semi, but I had an operation two days before it — so there was absolutely no chance of me playing in that game,” Steven recalled.

There have been significant changes at both clubs since that November night at Ibrox.

For a start, both have new faces at their respective helms — for very different reasons.

Owen Coyle’s departure from Saints to try his luck in the English Championship with Burnley came about because the English side were impressed with what he had done at Saints.

And he hasn’t disappointed as the Clarets currently lie in fifth spot in the Championship and have enjoyed an impressive Carling Cup run to the semis this season.

On the other hand, the departure of Paul Le Guen from Ibrox was of an ignominious nature, given his poor record.

And while Walter Smith has settled back into the groove for his second spell as Rangers team boss, another man with an Ibrox pedigree, Derek McInnes, has marched St Johnstone five points clear at the top of the First Division.

Steven is “looking forward” to another crack at Rangers and firmly believes Saints can provide the Ibrox club with more problems.

The Perth side may be top of the pile in the First Division, but Steven knows the current Rangers outfit will prove a far more daunting prospect than the Ibrox side he lined up against on that never to be forgotten night in November, 2006.

“There’s no doubt it’s a tough game,” he said. “However, it represents a good test and a great chance for us to show again what we can do.

“Hopefully, we’ll shock them once more — and it would be excellent if I can score again.

“It was very pleasing to get Saints goals that night at Ibrox. I have happy memories of that evening. Hopefully, I’ll have more from this Tuesday.”