Brechin boss Ray McKinnon admits his players have a “huge carrot” dangling in front of them as they prepare to face local rivals Forfar in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.
The last time the two sides met in the league three weeks ago at Station Park, McKinnon was left disappointed as the Loons ran out 2-0 winners.
However, he is expecting a big response from his players especially with a place in the last 16 of the cup at stake. And he believes that their record at the Glebe this season could prove to be a decisive factor.
He said: “On reflection, looking back to the last game with Forfar, I felt we started well and could have been a couple of goals up but Rab Douglas produced terrific saves.
“Then we conceded a sloppy goal and it was the period after that in the second half when we chased the game but without any real conviction I was disappointed with.
“However, I have never had a problem with the players since I came here. They have always responded magnificently and I would expect the same in this game.
“They have a huge carrot in the shape of a place with the big boys in the last 16 dangling in front of them. They all know what’s at stake but we are playing at home where only Rangers have beaten us this season in a game we should have won.
“So we are confident but it is a derby and it is sure to be a close game.
Brechin will be without Bobby Barr who is recovering from a hernia operation and Stuart Anderson who is suspended following his red card against Dunfermline.
Meanwhile, Forfar boss Dick Campbell will be missing on-loan Aberdeen player Craig Storie as the Dons did not want the youngster cup-tied.
However, the veteran manager who celebrated his 60th birthday last week believes he has a player ready and willing to step in. And with Forfar in a rich vein of form, he will travel to the Glebe today in confident frame of mind.
He said: “This is a massive game for us. We are on a good run of form having won the last six out of seven games.
“We beat them comfortably three weeks ago but that means absolutely nothing in the context of this cup tie. Brechin are on their own patch and will see this as a great opportunity to get through to the last 16.
“However, we have done quite well in cup ties in my time at the club and I am optimistic going in to this one. I don’t see me making a lot of changes from the side that beat East Fife last week.
“We don’t have any injuries but we will be without Craig Storie. However, Odmar Faroe has been flying in training and he is pushing for a place. I already have one eye on our game with Rangers on Tuesday but I will be making sure the players are fully focused.”