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When the draw was made for the third round of this season’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup everyone at the club was waiting anxiously for the outcome.

For most people, the dream would be a home tie against a minnow, a tie which offered the opportunity to progress, and perhaps get a big-money match deeper into the competition.

Caley Thistle would have had exactly the same mindset.

Instead, the sides – who have already faced-off twice this season – were pitched together, and another hard-fought encounter looks in store. Paul Hartley is well aware of how dangerous our opponents can be:

“They are a very good side, we know that, but we have the advantage of playing here at Balmoral Stadium and the most important thing is just trying to get through the tie. It would have been nice not to be playing a team from the same division, but we know what we are up against, we know their strengths and weaknesses.

“It has got the makings of a cracking game!”

During Paul’s time with Cove, we have enjoyed some fine results in the competition, but have also missed out on what would have been important paydays:

“We faced Rangers at Ibrox during COVID and there was no-one there, we played Hibs at Easter Road, but it was a Thursday night and there wasn’t a great crowd, so it would be nice to get through, and maybe get that kind of tie at some point.

“Financially, every club at our level has to look at it that way.”

The manager has enjoyed some major highs in this competition, and he has enduring affection for it:

“I always love the Scottish Cup when it comes around! I won it with Hearts in 2006 and Celtic 2007, so some brilliant memories as a player.

“Managing is a bit different, but the boys will certainly be excited for this one. They know that form can go out of the window in games like this; it’s all about winning, all about getting through.”

“We’re at home, I feel the atmosphere is good, we’re all looking forward to it, and hopefully we will get a good crowd. I would expect Inverness to bring a decent travelling support, and I am sure our fans will turn out too, so it could be lively.

“The bottom line is, it’s a winnable tie, and if we can get through, that would be outstanding.”

Long-term absentee Liam Parker will again be missing, and the game has come too early for Fraser Fyvie, but Arron Darge will return, and everyone else should be available.

The full interview with Paul can be viewed at the club’s YouTube channel.

Tickets should be purchased in advance using the following LINK

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