Ross Gunnion has tagged Scottish Cup first round opponents Inverurie Loco Works favourites for next month’s tie.
But the Jeanfield Swifts manager says his players will travel with “optimism” and a great desire to advance beyond the Highland League club.
Sunday evening’s draw handed Swifts the away fixture, which is now firmly pencilled in the diary for Saturday, September 18.
Gunnion’s men defeated Whitehill Welfare 4-1 in the preliminary round at the weekend to book the main draw ticket.
“The win sets us up for the first round and a very tough tie at Inverurie Locos,” Gunnion explained to the PA yesterday.
“They are a team who have spent big in recent years on their facilities and squad.
“They’ve been competing at the top end of the Highland League for a while now and they’ll start as favourites for the tie.
“However, with the talent we have in our squad, we should go there with optimism.
“When the time comes we’ll prepare well for the game and look to cause an upset.”
On the win against Whitehill, Gunnion continued: “It goes without saying that we were all delighted with the result and the first half performance in particular.
“The start to the game was exactly what we’ve been asking the players for and worked hard in training for.
“I felt we’ve been a little unlucky in front of goal in recent games and something just needed to click.
“Thankfully it did on Saturday and seeing three different goal-scorers was pleasing.
“From a completely dominant first half performance to a very professional second half performance, I couldn’t have many complaints at all.”
While still a couple of weeks away, Scottish Cup excitement will be parked for now.
Gunnion concluded: “For now we have to focus on getting ourselves back on a winning run in the league.”
