PACKED OUT: Auchinleck Talbot set for massive clash with Premiership Celtic in Scottish Cup
Players and staff of Auchinleck Talbot have been reacting to their dream tie against Celtic in the Scottish Cup .
The West of Scotland Premiership side were handed the January draw against the Hoops, who came runners up to winners Aberdeen in last season’s final, and is sure to stand-out as the David-Goliath clash of the fourth round.
Tommy Sloan’s men set up the fixture on the back of a resounding 4 – 0 victory against League Two Dumbarton at The Marbill Coaches Stadium in the third round.
The previous rounds have seen them overcome rivals Cumnock, in front of the BBC cameras, and Lowland League Gretna 2008.
In response to the draw, assistant manager Allan McLuckie said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the committee and the fans as this truly could be once in a lifetime. The playing staff are just excited about the draw.”
Club captain Neill McPherson shares McLuckie’s excitement for the tie. He said: “It didn’t really hit when it came up on the TV but it didn’t take long for it to. My phone started going absolutely mental.
“It’s an occasion we can all look forward to and enjoy the full experience of it as these are moments we play football for. As we always do, we will do our best to make it as tough as possible for them, and hopefully turn in a performance everyone can be proud of.”
Questions have been circulating about the choice of venue for this fixture considering the size of opposition supporters’ allocation, but McLuckie is certain his team’s backyard will be firm hosts for the Premiership giants.
He added: “I can see both sides having the game at Beechwood and would be a fairytale versus moving to a bigger venue to maximise revenue streams. It is all to be decided by the SFA, club officials, and the police.”
Doubles from Connor Boyd and Kyle McAvoy were enough to see Talbot down Stevie Farrell’s Sons at The Rock in the last round.
Other ties involving Ayrshire teams see Kilmarnock host fellow Premiership side Dundee as rivals Ayr United travel to the City of Discovery to face Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United.
The fourth round fixtures are set for the weekend of the 17th January.
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