Locos have score to settle against Banks o’ Dee

Locos manager Neil Cooper admitted he is more than pleased that prolific 40-year-old Dee striker Jamie Watt, who hit a double that night, decided to hang up his boots at the end of last season to become assistant-manager to Tommy Forbes.

Cooper said: “They beat us well last January at a time when there had been a lot of cancellations due to the wintry weather, we hadn’t played for a wee while and that was our first game back.

“They started well that night and we went 1-0 down. Just after half time we equalised but they played very well and went on to deservedly beat us.”

He continued: “I’m really happy that Jamie Watt, who’s scored a lot of goals for various clubs including Bank o’ Dee, decided to call it a day.

“But they do have other good players there, including former Keith striker Luke Barbour so we know we will need to be at our best to progress to the next round.”

Cooper went on to add: “We played quite a few of the young lads against Fort William on Saturday but we’ve still got five first team players out injured.

“Jamie Michie did train last Thursday but he felt a twinge in his injured hamstring on Friday so we certainly won’t be rushing him back, but thankfully centre-half Ryan Broadhurst was back for the Fort game at the weekend.” McCrorie’s entire career at risk by leaving him exposed at the back.

“He is a baby and when you are coaching babies you have to protect them from ruining them,” said the former Liverpool captain of a player he now regards purely as a central midfielder. If you toss them into huge Old Firm derbies out of position, there is a risk you can scar them.”

But McCrorie insists he is tough enough to handle the big occasion.

“I think I’m developing great under the gaffer,” said the Scotland youth international. To be honest, I’d rather be thrown in at the deep end playing in the big games.”

Meanwhile, Gerrard still has no idea how long Jamie Murphy is set to be ruled out for after he was stretchered off in distress during Sunday’s Betfred Cup win over Kilmarnock.

Gerrard said: “The plan will be to let the injury settle for a couple of days then get a scan once we can get a clearer picture.”

“I’m happy that Jamie Watt decided to call it a day”

“I think I’m developing great under the gaffer”

Neil Cooper: Expecting a difficult game at home