Cup draw throws up repeat of final

The most recent Scottish Cup finalists will meet again in the fourth round of this season’s competition after Dundee United were handed a home clash against Ross County.

United will open the defence of their trophy against a team they have beaten in their previous three domestic cup campaigns.

Peter Houston’s men defeated County 3-0 at Hampden in May and clinched a 2-1 victory after extra-time at Dingwall in the Co-operative Insurance Cup in September.

Rangers have been handed a potentially difficult tie against in-form Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

Rangers needed Kenny Miller to complete a hat-trick after beating 10-man Killie 3-2 with the help of two penalties in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday.

Celtic will face Berwick Rangers with the tie scheduled to be held at Shielfield Park.

Scottish Cup Draw

Aberdeen v East Fife

Dundee United v Ross County

Queen of the South v Brechin City or Annan Athletic

Montrose v Dunfermline

Morton v Aidrie United or Beith

Falkirk v Patrick Thistle

Berwick v Celtic

East Stirling v Buckie Thistle

Rangers v Kilmarnock

Hibernian v Ayr

Stenhousemuir or Threave Rovers v Stranraer

Hamilton v Alloa

St Mirren v Peterhead

Inverness v Elgin City

Dundee v Motherwell

Hearts v St Johnstone

The ties will be played on January 8 and 9.