UP FOR THE CUP: Pages 58-59

Cup rivals: Glenavon’s Rhys Marshall flanked by Rosemount’s Ryan Stewart and Scott Ritchie after yesterday’s Irish Cup draw ROSEMOUNT Rec manager Lee Cathcart is relishing taking on Glenavon in the fifth round of the Tennent’s Irish Cup after the junior club landed a plum draw at Mourneview Park.

The Greyabbey outfit play in the Northern Amateur Football League, and while they will be huge underdogs against the Lurgan Blues, who are challenging for the Irish Premiership title and boast quality players such as Northern Ireland Under-21 star Mark Sykes, Rosemount Rec can’t wait for the knockout clash to come around on January 5.

“It doesn’t come much tougher than Glenavon but that is exactly what we wanted,” said Rosemount Rec boss Cathcart, whose side have already come through three rounds, including a penalty shoot-out success, to reach this stage.

“We wanted to get a big draw after reaching the fifth round and it’s going to be a great day out for everyone connected with the club. We can’t wait.”

There are three top flight fifth round ties following yesterday’s draw, with champions Crusaders hosting Glentoran, last season’s Cup runners-up Cliftonville at home to League Cup holders Dungannon Swifts and Warrenpoint travelling to Institute.

On his side’s match with the Glens, Crues boss Stephen Baxter said: “It’s probably a tie both teams would have preferred not to have at this stage but we’ll be prepared when the time comes.”

Holders Coleraine will meet H&W Welders, while Linfield will face Ballyclare at Windsor Park and Championship leaders Larne will host Newry City.