Head coach Neil Critchley insists that Hearts are well aware of the challenges high flying Brechin City will pose them on Friday night.
The men in maroon travel to Glebe Park to take on their Highland League opponents in front of the tv cameras, in a match that has the feel of a ‘proper’ cup tie.
The Jambos will head into the match as overwhelming favourites, but the head coach explained that preparations have been exactly the same and admits he’s expecting a difficult challenge.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Critchley said:
“It’s a difficult tie to start with, away from home. But yeah, the romance of the cup is still alive in my head, that is for certain. It gives you a genuine chance of going to Hampden Park and winning a trophy. That's our aim. Outside of that, everyone's looking to see where a shock's going to happen.
“The cameras are turning up for a reason, aren't they? Everyone outside of our club will be wanting a cup shock and we have to make sure we do everything to prevent that from happening. So we have to prepare like we always prepare, make sure our application and our attitude is right on the night, play the way we've been playing. And if we do that, then obviously we have confidence in the way that we've played recently and that we can continue the good form that we’re on.
“Looking at their [Hearts players’] background and their history and where they've played and their upbringing is really important because you know at some point you might encounter a game like this.
"So I'm confident with the players we've got in our squad that we've got the right personality or the right characteristics to go to breaking in tough conditions or a tough cup tie and get the job done. We've shown them footage this week of what to expect and as we always do, we'll be prepared like we always are. It's obviously down to the players on the pitch to carry out the plan.”
The men in maroon will be coming up against a side who are used to winning and Critchley admits it’s a ‘dangerous’ tie for the Jambos, but is hopeful that his side will ride to the occasion.
“They're flying. They're doing brilliantly well. They've only lost once in the league all season, which would suggest that they're better than the level that they're playing at right now. They're a threat and they're used to winning games. That in itself breeds confidence and they have nothing to lose.
“It's a dangerous game, but we're in good form and we're playing well as well. Our aim is to go as far as we can in this competition and we want to go and win the game and get into the next round.
"We just prepare normally. We just go. Hopefully being on the television helps our players. We're used to it. We rise to that occasion.”
The club announced goalkeeper Zander Clark had signed a new contract until 2027 and Critchley added he’s ‘delighted’ that the stopper put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.
"No, it wasn't too difficult. I’ve had some good conversations with Zander since I've been here. I've been nothing but impressed with him as a person and as a goalkeeper. It's not been easy for him because I'm aware of how he played and what he achieved last season. He's taken it like a really good professional, a good man. He's a brilliant guy to have around, so positive. I'm delighted that he stayed and I see him as part of the future at Hearts.”
You can watch Neil’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
