DREAM TIE

Diamonds land holders Celtic in cup

Ian Murray has urged his Airdrieonians players to “go out and enjoy” their glamour showdown with Scottish Cup holders Celtic.

The plum fourth round draw was the rich reward for the Diamonds’ 3-0 victory over Dumbarton on Saturday and will be their first meeting with the Hoops in the competition since 1999.

Murray’s men will travel to Parkhead on the weekend of January 19 and the tie will represent the first time the Airdrie gaffer has come up against Celtic as a manager.

An excited Murray told the Advertiser: “We are absolutely delighted with the draw and can’t wait to pit our wits against the cup holders.

“Hopefully there will be a decent crowd on the day and it will be a fantastic occasion for the club to be involved in.

“Celtic are a top side and when we head to play them they will be coming off the back of a winter break, and may have made some new signings.

“It will be a tough challenge for us but I will be urging the players to go out and enjoy it and show will and determination to do well.

“For most of the players, it will be their first time taking on Celtic and I’ve never managed a team against them either. I am really looking forward to it and will learn tremendously from the whole occasion.”

Last week, Murray revealed to the Advertiser that his dream cup tie was a home clash with either of the Old Firm.

But the Diamonds boss is more than happy with the outcome of the fourth round draw.

He said: “I watched the draw live and when we came out against Celtic I was very pleased. It is a good draw for the club financially and is a tie that has caught the eye of many neutrals.

“It gives us something to look forward to early in the new year and will help ensure competition for places remains fierce between now and then.”

Airdrie booked their date at Parkhead with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dumbarton at the Penny Cars stadium, which marked the first time in 18 months that the Diamonds have won three consecutive matches.

Striker Darryl Duffy’s shot sandwiched a brace from impressive midfield man Kyle Wilkie, as the injuryhit visitors were put to the sword.

Murray said: “It was good to get the win, as progressing in the cup was our target.

“We played OK and managed the game very well after getting into a great position with three goals in 77 minutes.

“Kyle took his goals well and he has been in brilliant form; he’s becoming a very important player for us.

“It’s good to see Darryl banging in the goals again as well and we are carrying an attacking threat all over the pitch.

“I’m pleased we’ve put three wins together, but we have to keep it going.

“It’s a pity we lost the first two home games under my charge as otherwise we could be really pushing the top teams in the division.

“But we have a chance to do that with Saturday’s game at Raith.”

The weekend’s trip to Kirkcaldy gives Airdrie the chance to cut the gap between them and second place Raith Rovers to just four points.

Murray said: “Raith are doing well, but they were beaten by East Fife a couple of weeks ago and they trailed us 3-1 before turning it around to win late on earlier in the season.

“Saturday will be a big test but it’s also our chance to put a marker down and show how good we are.

“We couldn’t be going into the game in better form and we’re looking forward to it.”