Turriff boss wants players to savour cup experience against Hibs

Turriff United manager Ross Jack wants his side to enjoy the biggest match in the club’s history.

United face Neil Lennon’s Hibs at the Haughs tomorrow in the third round of the Irn-Bru Cup.

The Highland League side battled past St Johnstone U20s 2-1 at McDiarmid Park in the first round before edging out Montrose 1-0 to set up this glamour game.

Now boss Jack is encouraging his players to savour the historic occasion against the Championship side.

He said: “It is a huge club coming to the Haughs, so in that respect it surpasses any other games the club have had.

“It’s an absolutely massive game for everyone connected with Turriff United Football Club, players, supporters and directors.

“For everybody connected it’s a fantastic opportunity to welcome Hibs, the Scottish Cup holders, to the Haughs.

“We’ve had to work hard to earn the privilege to play in this competition, so we’re embracing it.

“And nobody expects us to beat Hibs, so we’re just going to go out and enjoy it.”

Jack was also keen to emphasise the size of the challenge facing Turra.

They sit eighth in the Highland League after a 1-0 win on Wednesday at Deveronvale.

While visitors Hibs are top of the Championship having won four league games out of four.

Jack said: “We’ll try to perform and show that we merit playing at this stage of the competition.

“They’re a full-time team, they’ll come here and look to control the game.

“We had them watched against Morton last Saturday and they were very, very effective – scoring four goals from headers.

“So if you try to stop one player there will be another few players who come to the fore.”

He added: “We need to concentrate on our own game, rather than what they do.

“Hopefully we catch them on an off day, not concentrating on one or two things.

“But we need to be more than at our best, giving an incredible performance, to get anything out of it.”

Jack also wants Turriff to put in a good display to showcase the high standard of the Highland League.

“It’s been great for the exposure of the Highland League and the clubs have all given a good account of themselves.

“And we look to continue that and show the league in a good light,” he said.

United expect to be without their captain Cammy Bowden who has a hamstring injury.

They are also sweating on the fitness of Chris Herd, who has an ankle problem, but Nicholas Gray has recovered from his hamstring trouble.