Mcinally says Blue Toon can shine in spotlight

Peterhead have not had many moments in the spotlight of late, something manager Jim Mcinally is acutely aware of.

For a club in the lower reaches of League One and not perennially challenging for titles, maybe this is understandable.

But tonight they will have their chance to showcase what they can do.

The TV cameras are at Balmoor for the visit of Dundee in the Scottish Cup, with the spotlight on Peterhead and Mcinally.

“The one thing I hope is they don’t let themselves down,” said Mcinally.

“The last thing I want is for them to roll over.

“I know Dundee will be coming off the high of the result at Tynecastle but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t make it an awkward night for them.

“It’s a free-hit for us. In the grand scheme of things our season is all about the league, probably the same for Dundee to a certain extent.

“But they do see it as an easy passage to the quarter-finals.

“I believe and some of my players believe they can play at a higher level. Now here’s their opportunity to prove it.”

There is also perhaps some ire between the two clubs, given Peterhead were unhappy with Dundee using their three loan players against them in the Challenge Cup earlier this season.

“I’ll reiterate it to the players that a quarterfinal for Peterhead has only ever happened once before,” said Mcinally.

“It’s there for them if they turn up, if they take up the challenge. It’s up to us. We need to go out and earn their respect.

“I don’t think we’ve got their respect as a football club, so we need to earn their respect as a team.”