Elgin City defender Jack Murray gets ready for first Scottish Cup match since taking on Celtic in ‘special’ Buckie Thistle experience
The thrill of playing Celtic in front of a 40,000 crowd has left Jack Murray hungry for more Scottish Cup glory.
Now starring for Elgin City, the centre back was part of Buckie Thistle’s memorable run to the fourth round of the national competition last season.
His last Scottish Cup match was in January when Jags drew the eventual champions Celtic, losing 5-0 but enjoying an incredible day for the Victoria Park club.
This weekend, Murray turns his attention to his first match in the cup for City, who play host to Clyde in round two.
His experiences from last term have made him determined to try and go on another run in the tournament, and perhaps pull another plum tie out of the draw further down the line.
“The Scottish Cup is special to me,” he said. “Obviously the Celtic game sticks out and will do for many years to come. I don’t think anyone involved that day will ever forget that experience.
“We had a great run and I scored the goal that got us through a sticky game at Forres (in the first round).
“We didn’t know at the time what would follow but you see the rewards of good cup performances when you get through the rounds and what sort of ties you can get.
“The Celtic game is still talked about, people still ask me about how that felt and it is firmly in the memories.”
Murray’s step up from Highland League to SPFL football with Elgin has been a resounding success so far.
He has helped the Black and Whites make a record ten-game unbeaten start to their League 2 programme.
Helping City to try and get a first-ever league promotion remains Murray’s priority but his own firm belief in the magic of the cup will ensure his focus doesn’t fade this weekend.
Saturday’s opponents Clyde recently parted company with manager Ian McCall after a slow start to the current campaign, and this week installed ex-Aberdeen player Darren Young as his replacement.
“I think it is a wee distraction from the league campaign,” Murray said. “You might see boys who haven’t been playing in the team getting more of a chance.
“But we will definitely be looking to go through and we will have to give it our very best shot against Clyde.
“We know they are a good side having played them recently and their manager left, but sometimes that can spur a team on so we will be aware of their qualities.”
Murray has netted four goals from defence for City this season and is delighted with the start he has made.
“We know it’s still early doors but we are happy with how it’s been going in the league so far.
“It maybe has happened quicker than expected. We’ve worked hard to get into this position so we just have to keep it going.”
