When it comes to a semi-final match at the national stadium, there is no better place to be situated than a stone's throw away at Lesser Hampden. 

That's exactly what Aberdeen chiefs arranged to assist Barry Robson's side and remove countless hours of driving in the week build-up to this afternoon's match against Hibs. 

Players and staff have remained based in Glasgow since the win over Motherwell in midweek to avoid a late journey back north and subsequent return at the weekend.

For captain Graeme Shinnie, while it has been an unconventional week of preparation - sidetracked by a midweek Scottish Premiership fixture - it might turn out to be perfect foundation for success.

"Being in Glasgow, staying down, I think that helped in terms of being fully focused on recovering," said Shinnie. "I think the boys instantly realised it's straight on to the semi-final.

"It took the travelling out. We've got a lot of travelling with the games that we've had and the games coming up, including next week in Greece and then away at Celtic. It's been a very, very hectic schedule in terms of travel so with this on, it's taken a good few journeys out of the boys. It keeps us all together and it's been the best preparation.

"In terms of a semi-final on a Saturday with a game on the Wednesday for some boys, it might be less time to overthink it.

"Some boys probably have a lot of nerves going into weeks like this so it maybe takes that away a little bit with having the bit of a distraction on Wednesday of trying to deal with that game."

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Shinnie is no stranger to his surroundings at Hampden from past experiences for Aberdeen and Inverness. And the Aberdeen captain has been imparting knowledge onto team-mates who haven't yet played at the national stadium.

"Being around Hampden here is good," he said. "We've used some of the facilities in Hampden so the boys have been in and had a look around, more for the boys who haven't been here. 

"For the boys that have been in Scottish football, they know what it's about - they don't need it explained - but for the others we talk about it, we talk about past experiences. Does it do a lot? I don't know, it's one of those. 

"Sometimes going into the unknown is better. They'll see the stadium and what their surroundings will be. 

"When the boys have asked questions, you share your experiences and get them used to it."

And on the possibility of leading Aberdeen to a final and claiming the elusive piece of silverware for the club during his time at Pittodrie, Shinnie added: "I've always said it, my time here last time I was here it was disappointing not to lift any silverware.

"I've done it once in my career at Inverness and it's one of the best feelings you get in football.

"I'm determined to try and do it again and have no better feeling than lifting a bit of silverware for Aberdeen - it would be a very proud moment but I'm well aware of the tasks ahead before that and it's very tough to do so fully focused on Saturday."