Preview : Inverurie Locos (a)

Last updated : 25 January 2009 By Firparkcorner

It should be acknowledged that St Mirren, even at Fir Park, do not represent an easy passage to the quarter finals. However, having avoided the Old Firm and the rest of the top six, it is a very winnable tie and it is understandable there is optimism amongst the support.

Inverurie will not be a walkover either although if we are being completely honest, there is no acceptable excuse for not coasting through this tie. Yes, the weather might make conditions difficult and perhaps the pitch will be poor but even so, we should have enough in the tank to come out on top.

Mark McGhee has said he will play his strongest side which suggests he is treating Inverurie with the appropriate amount of respect and while a case could be made for rotation, it is probably the right decision. We are playing well just now and breaking up the team without due cause seems risky. The same group of players winning again should also keep us in high spirits going into the crucial league games coming up against Hibs and Hamilton.

There will be concerns about Hammell and Porter after their tussles with Falkirk but their non-appearance will be no excuse if we fail to progress.

Inverurie will be up for this contest and, at the risk of sounding condescending, they will treat it like a cup final. We have to be professional and if we can get an early goal hopefully we will progress with little fuss. A 3-0 win would be nice.