Garry Hay believes Kilmarnock's Scottish League Cup semi-final with Ayr United is set to be even bigger than the final for both sets of fans.
Silverware may be up for grabs for whichever team progresses beyond this weekend to a meeting with Celtic or Falkirk.
But Hay knows the all-important bragging rights that will result from winning Saturday's Ayrshire derby at Hampden cannot be underestimated either as the fierce rivals prepare to go head-to-head.
The defensive midfielder said: "For Kilmarnock and Ayr United fans, this is the final. There is no doubt that's what they are thinking.
"Obviously if you get to the final, you want to win it, but the biggest thing is getting through this game.
"The Old Firm are obviously massive and they get 50,000 or 60,000 supporters but this is a massive game for any Kilmarnock player and fan.
"It's the same for Ayr United. It means the world for both sets of fans."
The Killie veteran admits, for himself, this is now the "last chance saloon" in terms of winning silverware as he bids to make it third time lucky in the League Cup.
The 34-year-old was on the losing side in finals against Celtic in 2001 and Hibernian in 2007, and is hoping for another crack at the trophy this time.
Hay knows time is running out for him to bring down the curtain on his career with a winner's medal.
He said: "I've played in a couple of finals and never won any of them.
"I said the last time it could be the last chance and that was in 2007. So this is definitely the last chance saloon in that regard.
"I always remember looking back at the first final in 2001 and the older pros in the team were telling us then to try to take it all in. It's so true.
"You need to take in every minute of these semi-finals and, if you're lucky enough to get there, the finals too.
"They don't come along that often for teams like us so it's a great occasion and one to savour."
Ayr have already overcome Scottish Premier League opposition in the shape of Inverness, Hearts and St Mirren en-route to Hampden, and are now gunning for SPL scalp number four.
Manager Brian Reid said: "I certainly don't think they will underestimate us after what we've done so far this season.
"We'll just have to approach it in the right manner and defend properly and, when our chances do come, we need to make sure we take them.
"We are a part-time, First Division club, but we have been in this position quite a few times this season.
"We are getting used to it and it hasn't affected us before so we are looking forward to the game. We will certainly give it a good go."
