ARBROATH’S Robbie Raeside last night stopped short of predicting the Lichties are going to oust SPL outfit Inverness Caledonian Thistle from the Co-operative Insurance Cup this evening, writes Graeme Dey.

But he is tipping them to run the Highland outfit closer than they did 12 months ago when the clubs met in the competition, in a match which marked Craig Brewster’s return to the ICT helm, and the top flight side secured a 3-1 victory.

“My abiding memory of the game last year is of our being denied a penalty at 0-0,” said Raeside.

“Bryan Scott was chopped down inside the area but the referee gave a free-kick outside despite the tackle marks showing clearly where the offence had occurred.

“Don’t get me wrong, overall Inverness deserved to win.

“But we put on a decent show that night and I think we can go even better this time back at our place.

“The most important thing for us though is that we put on a better performance than the one we gave in losing to East Fife at the weekend.

“We were all disappointed with a display which fell way short of the ones we’d been turning in up till then.

“And against Inverness I think everyone will be out to show the fans that we can play so much better than we did on Saturday.”

Lichties boss John McGlashan candidly admits the prospects of his side winning this evening are slight, but he is demanding they rise to the occasion.

“When any Second Division club comes up against one from the Premier League there’s probably only a 1 in 20 chance of an upset occurring,” accepted McGlashan.

“But you always have that one chance and we’ll be doing our best to take it.

“Most importantly of all though I want a performance that offers encouragement for the important match we have on Saturday against Stirling Albion.

“I want us to be solid defensively but able to force Inverness onto the back foot when we can. We are taking this tie extremely seriously and want to give them a game.”

McGlashan will implement a couple of changes to his line-up and is looking for those who are called up to make an impact.

“There are probably half-a-dozen guys who could come in and one or two definitely will. Hopefully they’ll seize the opportunity,” he said.

Veteran hit-man Paul Tosh is a leading contender for a call-up but with only Alan Rattray, Nicky Smith and Paul Watson unavailable McGlashan has plenty of options.

Inverness boss Brewster has hinted that he may make a few alterations to his starting 11 with the talented young trio of Rory McAllister, Garry Wood and Iain Vigurs likely to feature at some stage.

“There might be one or two changes, but there won’t be many,” said Brewster.

He also warned his side about the dangers of complacency.

The Highlanders know all about cup shocks themselves, having recorded a famous 3-1 victory over Celtic in the Scottish Cup in 2000 which brought about the end of manager John Barnes’ reign at Celtic Park.

“It will be a cup final for them and a great chance for them to do well against Premier League opposition on their own park,” added Brewster.

BRECHIN host joint SPL leaders Kilmarnock tonight in the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup in what promises to be thrilling encounter.

Killie are coming to Glebe Park with a score to settle having been knocked out of the cup by the Angus men five years ago. That time Brechin progressed by virtue of a goal from Steven Hampshire which handed them their first ever win over SPL opposition.

City’s tricky winger Charlie King, who has vivid memories of that victory, playing up front alongside Hampshire, reckons his side has every chance of causing another upset and is hopeful he can again make a contribution despite spending more time than he would like on the bench.

He said, “It is hard to get in the team. I have been doing all right but the manager has put a good squad together and there’s a lot of competition for places.

“I have just got to be patient. But I am definitely in contention for a place tonight if the manager has it in mind to make changes.”

While Kilmarnock would be relishing the chance of a cup comeback at Brechin, he said the City players were equally savouring their opportunity.

“Kilmarnock will be relishing coming up to Brechin,” said King.

“Jim Jefferies was in charge the last time they came so I am sure they will be coming with a different attitude. I am sure it will be drummed into the players not to let the same happen as last time.

“But I still think there’s a bit of a chance for us. They could be in for a surprise if they come thinking it’s only Brechin.”

In a break from the league anything could happen, said City assistant manager Kevin McAllister. “The boys are well up for it and we feel we can get a result.

“We feel we are four points down in the last two games but we are still undefeated in the league. We have got to take the positives from that and go forward.”

Barring long-term absentees Gary Fusco and John Baird, the full City squad is available.

Manager Michael O’Neill has been on a trip home to Northern Ireland but will be back in the dugout for the starting whistle.

He said, “In the cup, all you can ask for is a home draw and we have got that. It’s a great incentive for those in the team, to work hard and try and stay in it, if they want to play against top notch opposition.”

Allan Russell will make his Killie debut tonight after recovering from a knee injury.

The former Airdrie striker will replace David Fernandez, who is suspended because he was sent off in last season’s defeat by Hamilton in the same competition.

Defender Ryan O’Leary (shoulder) remains a long-term absentee, while Tim Clancy, Rhian Dodds and Alan Morgan are continuing their search for full fitness following injury.