Broxburn Athletic boss Brian McNaughton has called on his players to embrace the occasion as they look to cause another Scottish Cup upset.
The Brox make the trip to SPFL League Two high-flyers Cowdenbeath on Saturday with a huge travelling support expected at Central Park.
Having defeated East Stirling in dramatic fashion in the previous round, the gaffer believes they can produce a repeat performance against the Blue Brazil – but admits even their best might not be good enough.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, he said: “It’s a tremendous occasion for the club and the players. They should go out and embrace it because it’s one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
“It’s massively exciting and these are the sort of games that they should want to be involved in and it’s a huge opportunity for them.
“They’re playing a side sitting second in League Two, they’re a proper league side. So the challenge, for myself as well as the players, is to go out there and see how we match up against them.
“It’s been a great run in the cup and it would be lovely if we can get another game out of it, whether that’s a win or a draw.”
He added: “The players are an honest bunch who give absolutely everything and I’ve no doubt they will do that against Cowdenbeath. I trust every one of them.
“Listen, even then it might not be enough for us to get a result, but I firmly believe that there are players at Broxburn Athletic who wouldn’t look out of place at all at League Two level.
“Cowdenbeath are second in League Two and have won six in a row for a reason. They’re a very good side with some really experienced players and a very good manager.
“Gary Bollan won’t have them taking it easy and thinking they’re already through so we know that we have to be at our best.
“We’ve watched them twice and we have a plan, it’s just whether it works out on the day or not.”
The Albyn Park outfit head into the clash having tasted defeat just once this season after clinching their Conference title last term.
And the boss paid tribute to everyone on and off the park who has contributed to their fine form over the past 18 months.
He said: “It’s been an amazing time for the club and for us to get this far is brilliant.
“There’s been so much hard work behind the scenes, and on the pitch, to get the club into the position we are in today and games like this are a great reward for everyone.
“I know that we’re going to go out there and do the fans and the town proud. We want to leave there with our heads held high, regardless of the outcome.”
