Rose No.2 Gord Hibs The Heights

Jan 6 2008 By Gavin Berry

Qos V Linlithgow Saturday, Kick-Off 3.00

GORDON RAE reached the Scottish Cup Final as a youngster with Hibs but insists he will take as much pride watching Linlithgow Rose run out for their fourth-round clash.

Rae is now assistant to Jim Sinnet at the West Lothian Junior outfit who face the biggest game in their history at Palmerston on Saturday.

The Rose No.2 was only 21 when he achieved a career high by making it to Hampden for the Scottish Cup showpiece.

And it took THREE attempts to settle the final with Arthur Duncan's extra-time own goal giving Rangers a 3-2 win after two scoreless draws.

This time Rae will be in the dugout but it will mean just as much. He said: "I was just a kid when I got to the Scottish Cup Final.

"It was a good achievement and probably my career highlight but at that age you think it will happen every year.

"However, watching Linlithgow lining up against an established First Division force like Queen of the South will give me as much pride."

Apart from his experience as a player with Hibs, Rae has also enjoyed some Scottish Cup highlights in his coaching career.

He said: "With Gala Fairydean we got into Qualifying and at Edinburgh City we took the scalp of East Stirling.

"I have lots of great memories in the competition and after Christmas and New Year you always look forward to the Scottish Cup.

"The buzz is still there for me but it's different to when I was playing.

My focus now is on 15 or 16 players not just myself. I don't get so nervous any more because once we've done our preparation it's up to the lads."