St Johnstone look for revenge over Rangers

ST JOHNSTONE manager Derek McInnes believes home advantage can prove an asset as his side bid to go one better against Rangers in the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

Saints were yesterday drawn to face holders Rangers at McDiarmid Park in the fourth round of the competition.

The Irn-Bru First Division leaders lost on penalties to the Gers in the semi-finals of last season's tournament following a 1-1 draw at Hampden, so McInnes is optimistic about his team's chances in Perth.

"It's a good tie for us and home advantage is important," McInnes said. "I know the players will relish the chance to go up against Rangers again and it will be a cracking atmosphere."

Celtic face another First Division side in Dundee, which will see former Hoops goalkeeper Rab Douglas return to Parkhead.

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood is expecting a tough tie after being drawn away against Raith or Alloa.

"It is disappointing we have once again got an away draw and it will be a tricky tie whoever we play," he said. "Raith are a good side with a good cup tradition. I will be honest and say I don't know too much about the Alloa side at this stage.

"The good thing is that we will be able to watch the replay as well as watching the eventual winner a number of times."

Kilmarnock club captain Gary Locke is excited by the prospect of a match against junior side Lochee United or local rivals Ayr.

Locke said: "We've avoided Rangers and Celtic and have the mouthwatering prospect of an Ayrshire derby if they can beat Lochee, so we are looking forward to it."

Falkirk face last season's runners-up, Queen of the South, and their chairman, David Rae, is excited about the prospect of another cup run.

Rae said: "It's a tough game and I would have preferred it at Palmerston Park. We have been on a dip over the last month or so but we were sitting on top of the league before that.

"The Scottish Cup is something special – and did we not find that out last season?"

Hamilton are away at Ross County or Dumbarton, Inverness host Partick Thistle and Dundee United face an away game against East Stirlingshire.