East Fife boss Barry Smith insists his players will not be overawed when they run out against Championship side St Mirren in the William Hill Scottish Cup this afternoon at Bayview.
The Buddies stunned Premiership outfit Dundee at Dens in the last round and despite their struggles this season in the league, will start as favourites to progress in Methil.
However, Smith insists there will be a lot of pressure on Jack Ross’s full-time side and with his own team on an 11-game unbeaten run, they are quietly confident of causing an upset.
He said: “Some people might say that the cup will be a release for St Mirren away from the pressure of the league.
“However, they are still from a division above us and will be expected to win so there will be a lot of pressure on them to do just that.
“We will just look to go out and do what we have been doing so well over the last few weeks and if we excel, we could cause an upset.
“The chance to knock out a team from a higher league is a big incentive for our lads.
“We are on a great run and the boys have consistently worked hard ever since I came in.
“It is always great to have a Scottish Cup game as it is something different from the league and the lads can challenge themselves against opponents from a higher division.
“They definitely won’t be overawed – they are not like that.
“We have a faithful fan following at East Fife but it would be fantastic if we could get even more through the gates on Saturday for what should be a cracking cup tie.”
The Methil manager bolstered his roster ahead of this afternoon’s game with the addition on 19-year-old former Hamilton midfielder Ben Reilly.
Skipper Kevin Smith is a slight injury doubt but Chris Kane returns to the squad.
