The dramatic rise of Ross County has been one of Scottish football’s feel good stories over the past few years.

Few are better placed to reflect on the Staggies’ route to stardom and what a fairytale ending would mean for the club than Michael Garydne.

His Dingwall love affair first began in 2006/07 during a loan spell from Celtic in a campaign which saw County relegated to the Second Division. A strong end to the season saw the promising attacker score three goals in his final four games to bow out with six from 38 matches.

One small crumb of comfort came in the form of a Challenge Cup victory over Clyde. After a brief spell with Morton, Gardyne returned to Victoria Park in January 2008 in the early days of Derek Adams’ overhaul but one goal in 30 appearances wasn’t what either party hand in mind.

The following season saw a return to form with 13 goals in 46 games and saw County shock the game as they beat Celtic 2-0 at Hampden to reach the Scottish Cup final. Defeat to Dundee United followed and Dundonian-born Gardyne feels things are different this time around as they prepare to meet Hibernian at Hampden.

He said: ''I think it's different in that last time we were the First Division club going to the final to play, but we are the top flight club.

“There have been a lot of people asking me if we are going to be the favourites but Hibs have been flying this season so I think it's going to be quite evenly matched.

“They've obviously been winning every week so that stands them in good stead as well.''

If County’s original cup run put every member of the squad in the spotlight then nobody took advantage quite like Gardyne. As Adams’ men embarked on a remarkable 40-game unbeaten league run and promotion to the top flight, the forward’s form attracted the attention of Dundee United with a deal agreed to join the Terrors in time for the 2012/13 season.

When things didn’t go to plan at Tannadice or during a loan spell at Kilmarnock, Gardyne decided to return to familiar surroundings.

''I came on loan here maybe when I was 19, everything has changed the stadium, the facilities around the stadium, the training pitches,” he added.

“I feel like I have grown with the club, so it would be massive for Ross County to go win a national cup.''

A double in December’s win over Kilmarnock saw the 30-year-old become County’s all-time leading goalscorer with 60.

And while he’s hoping to hit the net against Hibs, Jim McIntyre’s men will be looking to 18-goal hero Liam Boyce to get on the scoresheet.

The Northern Ireland international says every member of the squad is acutely aware of what Sunday’s showpiece means to the fans.

He said: ''It's massive, it’s all over the place.

“When you're driving to training you see posters saying ‘don't get left behind’. It has just been massive but you try and just put it to the back of your mind and try and not get too over hyped for the match as obviously it can impact on your game.''

A date with Hampden now awaits and a chance for County's own slice of cup history.