Stirling Albion skipper Paul McLean admits there will be mixed emotions as he returns to Brechin – but insists the focus is on making sure the Binos are in the hat for the Scottish Cup third round.
The Forthbank side make the trip up to Angus for the second time this season tomorrow and comes on the back of an excellent run of form which has propelled Albion to the top of the League Two table.
But they face a stiff test against a side flying high themselves in the Highland League.
Indeed, the home team have a formidable record so far this season – with 10 wins and a draw from their opening 11 games, putting them three points clear at the top of the table.
McLean is one player who knows Glebe Park’s unique surroundings better than most, having made close to 300 appearances in a decade-long stint at the club before moving to Stirling in 2019.
But while some loyalties remain, the Binos captain knows there is a job to be done to take one step closer to the lucrative later rounds.
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McLean said: “We know it’s going to be a real tough game and they’re going well this season and are probably backing their chances of winning their league and even getting promotion [back into League 2].
“I loved my time up there and that’s why I stayed for ten years, the club is run so well and I never felt the need to move on for so long. There are always upsets in the Scottish Cup in this round and you’ll see a few of them this weekend, so we have to make sure we go up there and perform to make sure it’s not us.”
The sides’ earlier meeting this season should provide another note of caution for Albion if any were needed, with Brechin coming out on top on penalties in the SPFL Trust Trophy after a 1-1 draw.
However, McLean says that familiarity can be a positive in a round where sides can often be entering into the unknown.
He added: “Brechin have been in the leagues for years so the majority of boys have played there regularly and know what to expect.
“It can feel really different in the cup when you’re heading to places like Wick or junior teams where it can be a bit of a culture shock for some of the boys.
“For me personally, it won’t feel different from a normal game, but we know there are aspirations for the club to get as far as possible and maybe get a good draw at an Ibrox, Parkhead, Tynecastle or Easter Road.
“We want to win every game and that’s the attitude we have every week. Confidence is a huge thing in football and it’s a real positive.”
As a note for Binos supporters making the journey tomorrow, kick-off at Glebe Park is at the earlier time of 2pm.
