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SportCup CompetitionsStephen Dobbie relishing return to face Hibs and Neil Lennon with Queen...

Stephen Dobbie relishing return to face Hibs and Neil Lennon with Queen of the South

BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport

STEPHEN Dobbie is hoping to build a bright future with Queen of the South after recalling fond memories of his star-filled past ahead of this evening’s trip to face old club Hibernian in the Betfred Cup.

The 33-year-old spent 18 months at Easter Road at the beginning of his career, sharing a dressing room with the likes of Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson, Steven Whittaker, Garry O’Connor and Derek Riordan.

Bobby Williamson’s talented and youthful outfit narrowly missed out on landing the League Cup in March 2004 before Dobbie fell out of favour under Tony Mowbray.

(Pic: socheid)
(Pic: socheid)

That sparked a decade of moves that have taken him to the likes of Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Brighton, as well as Bolton Wanderers under Neil Lennon last season.

The one-time Rangers trainee returned north last week to Queens, another former club, and admits he is relishing the prospect of coming up against both Lennon and Hibs this evening.

He told Capital City Press: “I had a good time at Hibs, it’s a great club. We nearly won the cup when I was there and there was a good atmosphere about the place, with some great players coming through at that time.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’ll obviously be coming up against my manager from last season as well.

“So, if I could get a goal or two that would be good.

“If we can win then we’re through to the quarter-finals, so it’s a good chance for us.

“I really enjoyed my time at Hibs, especially in the first season under Bobby Williamson.

“There was a great group players coming through the ranks at that time.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t beat Livingston in the final but I’ve got fond memories of playing for Hibs.”

Aims

Dobbie made his second Queens debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice and was delighted to mark his bow with a positive result.

Progress to the quarter-final would continue an impressive start to the season for the Doonhamers under new boss Gavin Skelton and Dobbie believes they can set ambitious targets this term.

Dobbie, who scored 54 times in 97 appearances in his last spell at Palmerston Park, added: “It’s good to be back up here. I hadn’t played a game all pre-season, so it was good to get my first 35 minutes under my belt on Saturday and hopefully it will be the same on Tuesday night.

“The boys played well on Saturday and we nearly nicked it at the end.

“I think we showed that we can go to places like United and Hibs and clubs like that in the league and get results.

“I think we can push on this season and aim for the play-offs – or higher.”

@IainCollin

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