Holt knows magic of the cup can be threat for Prem sides

LIVINGSTON manager Gary Holt has warned his side to avoid being on the end of a ‘giant-killing’ after insisting that anything is possible with a favourable cup run.

The Premiership side head to League One outfit Forfar for today’s Betfred Cup last-16 clash knowing they are just two games away from a potential trip to Hampden.

Livingston lifted the trophy in 2004 and Holt knowns from his own experience that smaller clubs can defy the odds in knock-out competition, having been part of Kilmarnock’s 1997 Scottish Cup-winning team.

The Rugby Park outfit overcame East Stirling, Clyde, Morton, Dundee United and Falkirk on their way to glory that year and Holt would love to mastermind a similar feat.

He said: “Livingston have the history of winning this competition but for me it’s more the fact of trying to get a quarter-final place first and foremost.

“It’s been a wee while since that happened, even since they won the cup.

“Hand on heart I can’t see us winning the league so you’ve really only got a chance of winning two cups.

“The thing about Scotland is there are not as many games so you’ve got a great chance of getting to a quarter-final.

“I managed to win the Scottish Cup but the cup run was certainly favourable for us and that’s what you need as well.”

However, Holt has warned his players that they will be regarded as a huge scalp by part-timers Forfar.

He added: “It’s taking care of Saturday’s game first because if you look beyond it you end up with egg on your face.”