East Kilbride boss Kevin Rutkiewicz expects their Scottish Cup clash with Deveronvale to be played like a derby match - because their hosts don't care much for sides from the Central Belt.
The former Aberdeen defender says he is speaking from experience having spent seven years with the Pittodrie side and faced Deveronvale a couple of times during his stint up north in the Aberdeenshire Cup.
And the 42-year-old, who made more than 50 appearances for the Dons, believes Deveronvale will be pumped up to claim a cup scalp over Kilby in the first round tie at Princes Royal Park on Saturday.
He explained: “I spent seven years of my life in Aberdeen – and I don’t mean to offend Aberdonians here – but they don’t like Central Belt Glaswegians when it comes to football.
“It takes a lot for us to win them over when we play for their teams, so they don’t hold a great affinity.
"I know it will be like a derby for them and we need to approach it like that.
“It’s about going up there with the right attitude and if we perform to the best of our abilities, I think we’ll have a good chance.
"At this moment in time, they probably aren’t as strong as they once were. They used to be a real powerhouse.
“It’s a horrible draw for us because I would have much preferred a home tie, as you do in any cup competition.
“I played Deveronvale in the Aberdeenshire Cup a couple of times and I know how difficult they’ll make it for us.
"They will be well up for it and they will want a scalp, that is for sure."
Meanwhile, Rutkiewicz admits East Kilbride’s enforced break at the weekend as a mark of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II could allow him to get players back for their trip north.
Stephen Bronsky is a major doubt with a knee injury and Jon Page is also a worry for the Kilby boss.
Rutkiewicz said: “Has the break come at a good time for us? Potentially.
“We might be able to get some players back for the weekend and that would be very good for us, but we are struggling defensively.
“Stephen Bronsky is probably out with a knee injury. Jonny Page picked up an injury during the match with Edinburgh University [a 3-2 defeat last time out] so defensively we are low.
“We brought in big Logan Dunachie from Motherwell but now it comes to the stage where we consider strengthening in that area again.”
On Saturday’s South Challenge Cup clash with Lanark United being postponed, Rutkiewicz added: “I wasn’t happy my game was off, from a selfish point of view, but I absolutely respect the decision.
“We had a training session on Saturday instead. It was open to the boys to not train if they felt that way, but it was a low-key session.
“It’s a great loss to the country losing its monarch but like everything else in the world, life must go on.
“The last three years have been a ridiculous time for us all so I think it is important we get back to it.”
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