But as he contemplates the prospect of leading St Mirren out in their first major cup final for three years, it is a charge that Jim Goodwin does not shy away from.
While his Celtic career never saw him thrust into the spotlight of the Parkhead first team, the Irishman's leadership credentials were forged at both youth and reserve level.
He then travelled south to learn his trade with Scunthorpe, Huddersfield and then Oldham before returning north to first Hamilton Accies and then St Mirren.
Now the moment all these years have been building up to is almost upon the 31-year-old, who faces the match that may well define his career.
Goodwin said: "To be a cup final captain is right at the top of honours in the game.
"There will be no moment more special to me in my career than Sunday afternoon.
"And although there is extra responsibility on a cup final skipper, that is something that I welcome.
"We are very lucky at St Mirren that we have experience in several key positions, guys who have been there and done it at the highest levels like Stevie Thompson and Gary Teale.
"So I will have plenty of help when it comes to providing leadership at Hampden on Sunday.
"On a personal note though, I have captained sides since I was a kid so it just kind of goes with the territory.
"Sunday represents nothing new for me and that is the way I will approach the match.
"I must have that attitude to make sure I make the best contribution I can to the side."
The influential Irishman has shaken off a calf strain to be ready for the weekend's showpiece and admits Saints will face a Hearts side determined to put their turbulent spell, both on and off the park, firmly to the back of their minds.
Goody said: "The one thing we know about Hearts is that they will be completely fired up by Gary Locke. They'll adopt a siege mentality towards winning the League Cup.
"This is a massive occasion for both sides and one you need to give 100% in from the first minute to the last.
"We need to be able to look ourselves in the mirror after full-time on Sunday and know we could have given nothing more."
