Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits his side are coming up against a formidable side in the Scottish Cup next month after drawing a home tie with Hearts in the fifth-round.
The New Douglas Park outfit knocked out Premiership opposition on Saturday when they sent Ross County crashing out on penalties in their fourth round clash.
But Accies will need to pull off something even more spectacular when the Jambos come calling on the weekend of February 11/12.
Robbie Neilson's men are flying high in the Premiership and sitting third in the table behind Rangers and leaders Celtic and their emphatic 3-0 win over Rankin's old side Hibs to reach the last 16 tells him just what Accies will be up against.
One bonus is Jambos captain Lawrence Shankland will miss the tie through suspension after he picked up a second booking late on and was sent off.
But Rankin said: "Hearts are a top, top team. We know how hard an opposition they will be.
"They are a formidable side with a formidable strike force, so it will be a great experience for our players to test themselves against those kinds of players.
"I watched the game with Hibs on Sunday so I know it is going to be a very, very tough tie for us but it is one we are looking forward to.
"It's an experience for the players to look forward to, especially after coming through a difficult afternoon on Saturday.
"They play Livingston and Rangers over the next couple of weeks on days we don't have any games so that will allow us to get a good look at them."
Accies have been handed a home tie for the third round in succession after overcoming East Kilbride and County.
Rankin added: "We wanted a home tie because it makes it more comfortable for our players, being in their own surroundings, but at the same time Hearts will be a difficult opposition to play against.
"They will bring a massive travelling support as well because it is a huge club."
It is set to be a huge week for the club with their SPFL Trust Trophy semi-final at home to Queen of the South being played just days earlier on Tuesday, February 7.
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