BOT OF CUP LUCK HITS MINNOWS

AUCHINLECK TALBOT in the Scottish Cup fourthround draw was a minor miracle, not least because the tiny Ayrshire club’s players have travelled 1,400 miles in this season’s competition alone.

Away ties to a succession of Highland League clubs have drained the budget but not the ambition of The Bot, who play in the West of Scotland Super League Premier Division.

Club secretary Henry Dumigan said: “We keep staying in the same hotel near Aberdeen. We’ll be due loyalty points soon.”

Luckily for Auchinleck, who beat Fraserburgh 1-0 on Saturday, the draw has been kind for once, giving them a home tie against Championship leaders Ayr United, just 12 miles away.

Cup holders Celtic, two points clear at the top of the SPL after a 3-0 win at Hamilton, welcome Airdrie.

Meanwhile, Rangers, who host Villarreal in the Europa League on Thursday, travel to Cowdenbeath in a first Scottish Cup tie for Steven Gerrard (above).