The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Buddies but not pals asformerDonsreturn
AFC: McInneshopesfamiliaritybreedssuccessinStMirrencuptie
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is looking forward to reacquainting himself with some former players when the Dons host St Mirren in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup in January.
The Dons face Championship promotion chasing Saints following yesterday’s draw which was made by former Hearts midfielder Colin Cameron and former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir.
McInnes said: “St Mirren are going well just now at the top end of the table and will provide a really stiff challenge. In a cup com- petition, you just have to take what you get and we’re grateful it’s at home. It will also see Cammy Smith and Jamie Langfield return to Pittodrie and that’ll add to the occasion.
“But it’s one we’ll look forward to when the time comes around.”
Hearts and Hibernian will face each other in the cup for the third season running after being paired together.
Hibs will be looking to knock out their Edinburgh rivals for the third year running when they meet at Tynecastle on the weekend of January 20 and 21.
Rangers have been handed a trip to face Highland League outfit Fraserburgh
Gers are currently managerless after Pedro Caixinha was sacked last month.
Broch manager Mark Dunfermline v Morton
Ayr United v Arbroath
Albion Rovers v St Johnstone Motherwell v Hamilton
Hearts v Hibernian
Livingston v Falkirk
Dundee v Caley Thistle Formartine United v Cove Rangers Montrose or Queen of the South v Partick Cowie has backed his team of part-timers to heap more misery on the Ibrox outfit.
“I’ve got guys in my side that will have to get the morning off work to play against Rangers,” he said. “I just hope their bosses are football men and understand.
“A lot of them are Rangers fans, so they’ll be playing their heroes. But we have nothing to lose. It’s at home, so that gives us Ties on the weekend of January 20 and 21 a chance. If a lot of things go in our favour, you never know what can happen.”
There will be at least one Highland League team in the next round after Formartine United landed a home tie against Cove Rangers.
Celtic will kick off their defence of the trophy at home to Brechin.
Lanarkshire rivals Motherwell and Hamilton will also face-off at Fir Park, while Kilmarnock will welcome Ross County to Rugby Park for another all Premiership showdown.
St Johnstone face a trip to Cliftonhill after being drawn against Albion Rovers. Dundee take on Caley Thistle, while Partick Thistle travel to the winners of tonight’s replay betweenMontrose and Queen of the South.