Ross men ready for Celtic

Ross County striker Steven McGarry revealed he and his team-mates erupted with delight when the Tennent’s Scottish Cup third round draw was made.

The Dingwall side were handed a money-spinning trip to Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders Celtic.

But the former St Mirren forward insists the opportunity to play at Parkhead is the real incentive for him and his team-mates.

McGarry said: “Steven Mackay, John Rankin, Sean Higgins and Craig Campbell were all here to watch the Motherwell-Celtic game and we were delighted.

“It is a great test for us and I’m sure everyone at the club will be equally pleased to be going to play at Parkhead.

“I have played there before with St Mirren but some of the guys haven’t so it will be something to look forward to for everyone.

“Celtic haven’t had much fun against Highland sides with Inverness knocking them out twice in recent years so, hopefully, we will be able to do the same.

“We won’t be going there to mess around, we will be positive and be looking for the win.”

But McGarry and his team-mates will also be looking to re-acquaint themselves with some old friends when they go to Glasgow next month.

Although Celtic defender John Kennedy has already started the ball rolling for the build-up to the game.

McGarry added: “John Rankin got a text message from big Kennedy as soon as the draw came through. So the banter has started already.

“I know Jamie Smith and Stephen Crainey from when I used to play with Celtic as a youngster years ago but I don’t really keep in touch.

“But Celtic will give us respect in the same way we will to them and they will know from experience that they can’t go into the game thinking it will be an easy one for them.

“It will be a great game and experience for us though.”