Scottish Cup holds fond memories for ex-Dundee and Celtic defender Barry Smith as he prepares Elgin City for Saturday's visit to Jeanfield Swifts
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Elgin City manager Barry Smith knows what it is like to play in a Scottish Cup final in front of a packed Hampden crowd.
Now the former Celtic and Dundee stopper wants to take Elgin City on a run in the competition, starting with this weekend's trip to perth to take on Jeanfield Swifts.
Smith skippered Dundee all the way to the final 20 years ago, losing 1-0 in the final to a Rangers side who sealed a domestic treble under Alex McLeish.
The defender almost opened the scoring in that match, rifling a 20-yard shot off the post before fellow stopper Lorenzo Amoruso's glancing header squeezed the 'Gers through to victory in the second half.
Smith was also at Celtic when they won the Scottish Cup in 1994-95 although he wasn't in their squad for the Celts' 1-0 victory over Airdrie.
"I was fortunate to get to a cup final as a player and it's a great competition," he said.
"It gives you a wee release from the league and that's no different for us right now.
"When it comes down to it, we want to win games. We wanted to win against Stenhousemuir (1-1 draw on Tuesday) and Saturday is the same.
"We have to treat it with the same attitude as the boys did against Stenhousemuir. I can’t fault them for their effort and their attitude.
"We have to do the same on Saturday or we could be on the wrong end of a bad result."
Smith watched Jeanfield Swifts play last week against Hill of Beith, and is aware that they have several ex-City players in their ranks.
"They are well-organised with a few players who have played at a higher level and a few that have played here. We can’t treat them lightly.
"If they are given opportunities to play, they will play and they are a threat going forward. We know what we can exploit but we ‘ll have to be on our guard when you are attacking."
Elgin captain Matthew Cooper, just back in the starting line-up from injury and suspension, said the rivalry with some of his old City team-mates at Jeanfield has already started.
"It's one we are looking forward to," he said. "We know it will be tough and there’s a few ex-players there.
"I was speaking to Beako (Chris McLeish), he was on the phone last night and he said he is looking forward to it. It will be good to see him and a couple of the boys again.
"We know they are a decent side so we will be back in this Thursday for training and get prepared for it.
"They will be fired up for the game for sure. We have been there before, playing teams out with the SPFL and we know from past experiences that we will need to be right on it from the first minute.
"It’s a massive day for them and we are expecting a big crowd.
"Jake (Dolzanski) is down that way as well and used to play for them so he has been keeping us well informed with some inside info.
"It will be a good day and we need to make sure we are in the draw for the next round."
