It’s back to Scottish Cup duty for Stirling Albion on Saturday – and boss Darren Young is hoping his side can emulate last season’s fourth-round visit.
The Binos face a stiff test against Championship opposition in Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who are currently sixth in the second-tier table but lie just six points off leaders Ayr United with whom they drew 2-2 in their most recent outing.
The trip to the Highlands comes on the back of a promising return to winning ways against East Fife on league business last week, a result which pushed Albion back to within three points of leaders Dumbarton.
Stirling enjoyed a run all the way to the ‘big boys’ of the fourth round last season, defeating Berwick and Tranent on their way to a glamour trip to Ibrox where their run was ended in a 4-0 defeat to Rangers.
Young is welcoming the chance to compete again, but knows his side will have to carry out their game plan to the letter to pull off a cup shock.
He said: “We’re going up there as underdogs, but we’re looking forward to the game and everyone knows that the Scottish Cup is a great competition.
“It was good to get a win in the league [on Saturday] and get back on the road but it’s nice to have a little break from league business.
“It’s one of those games you’re desperate to get through in and get to one of those so-called bigger clubs in the next round.
“We’ve got a game plan with closing down and we will just see how we do.
“Inverness are having a good season and are doing well in the Championship which is a very competitive and tough league this season, so we know it’s going to be a stiff test for us and we know we will have to be on our game.”
Albion will be able to welcome back key striker Robert Thomson from suspension for the game, although Adam Cummins and Cammy Clark are confirmed out for the trip to Inverness through injury and suspension respectively.
The Binos claimed victory in the sides’ last meeting – a penalty shootout win in the League Cup group stages after a 2-2 draw in normal time, with several players from that day set to be in the squad at the weekend.
Young added: “It helps us that we have a good bunch of the boys from last season and there’s no pressure on us outside of the dressing room, so as far as I’m concerned, if we stick to the game plan and do what is asked then that’s all we can do.
“The boys will be committed and you only have to look at the upsets from the previous round to see that if it’s your day, then it’s your day.”
