I DOUSED THE FORREST FIRE
EK's scott wants another big tie after clash with the celtics star
v GALA SCOTT STEVENSON had the BY PAUL THOMSON time of his life marking Celtic star James Forrest in the Scottish Cup two years ago.
Now the East Kilbride defender is desperate to tackle more of the game’s big names in this season’s competition.
Kilby host Gala Fairydean Rovers in an all-Lowland League tie today bidding for a place in the fourth round.
And with Premiership clubs like Celtic and Rangers entering at that stage there’s a huge incentive to progress to the last 32.
Stevenson knows the value of going deep into the competition more than most after being part of Kilby’s fairytale run in 2016 which ended in a 2-0 defeat to the Hoops in the last 16.
Round three is when the minnows can start to dream and he’s hoping EK can see off Gala and earn another big draw.
The 22-year-old said: “The Scottish Cup holds a special place in this club’s heart.
“It’s something we look forward to every year because we believe we can do well and compete with teams above us.
“The Celtic game is still up there with the biggest highlights of my career. It was such a big moment for the club and we did ourselves proud on the day.
“I was marking James Forrest for most of the game and that was a great experience. It’s fantastic playing against these guys because they’re so sharp, so quick.
“They’ve won big trophies and been so successful and it’s good to test yourself against them.
“We’re desperate for something
like that again. Games like that give you the determination to get more of those opportunities and gives you a lot of confidence too.”
Fast approaching 100 Kilby appearances, one of Stevenson’s first experiences with the K-Park side was the Celtic clash.
And the prospect of being in the hat with the big guns doesn’t faze the right-back who could make his 92nd outing for the club today.
He said: “When I first joined I came in on loan from Stirling Albion around Christmas time, six weeks before the Celtic game.
“So immediately I was involved in the Lothian Thistle game and the hype surrounding that because we knew the winners would play Celtic.
“We had all this build-up and when you are standing in the tunnel before the game you think here’s all these big players – Leigh Griffiths, Scott Brown or James Forrest.
“But as soon as the game starts you forget about it.”
East Kilbride have a 100 per cent record in their last five league meetings with Gala but Stevenson won’t be taking them lightly.
He said: “We know it’s going to be really tough and we’ll need to be at our best to beat them. They always give us a good game.”
The Celtic game is still up there with the biggest highlights of my career SCOTT STEVENSON