Colin Cameron hopes that the Caledonian Braves can put themselves on the Lanarkshire map with a Scottish Cup debut win.
Having scored the opener and lifted the Scottish Cup with Hearts back in 1998, assistant manager Cameron knows the opportunity a run in the oldest football cup competition in the world can do for the Motherwell outfit.
He will be standing alongside at the first-ever clash in the historic competition at this Saturday.
The 46-year-old, pictured, hopes to see the local community rally behind the new boys in Lanarkshire, having opened their new stadium this summer, and be able to bring sides from a higher level to the area in the next round.
He told the Wishaw Press: “The Scottish Cup is a good chance for us to get involved with the local community and give the players a platform.
“Rothes by all accounts have had a decent start to the season, a bit like us to be honest. We’re coming off the back of a couple of good results and the boys have played well.
“We need a bit of consistency but I’d like to think we go in confident of getting a result.
“It’s great for the area and the Caledonian Braves because if we can progress there is a chance to show what they can do against players from a higher level.
“It’s a great chance for them to showcase their abilities.”
The former Scotland cap has been involved in the set-up at the for six years, starting with the under-20 side in Edinburgh.
He then came on board as the assistant to boss Ricky Waddell last season, and admits they will have to work extra hard if they are to push up the Lowland League table against the likes of big-spending Kelty Hearts and champions East Kilbride.
The former Wolves and Raith midfielder: “It’s an exciting thing to be a part of. I’ve been able to see Alliance Park develop, and it’s up to myself and Ricky to make this side competitive in a league that is getting stronger.
“With the teams that have come into the Lowland League you can see they have money, and there are teams that can more than match teams in League One and League Two.
“For us, we don’t have that and we have to work a wee bit harder to get little gems and get them working for us. It’s something we relish.
“We want there to be a player pathway through from the Edusport Academy set-up because we don’t have the money the likes of Kelty Hearts and East Kilbride do to go and spend money to strengthen their squads.
“We have to work that bit harder on the training pitch and be that bit smarter, but that’s not a problem for us as a squad.
“It’s easier this season now we’re at Alliance Park to attract players in this catchment area, but we’ve tried to bring in hard-working players who are prepared to learn.
“So far we haven’t been disappointed.”
