Stevie is the master of a dead ball

Sep 21 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

DOUGIE IMRIE has warned his Inverness Caley team-mates that close pal Stevie Masterton could kill off their Co-operative Insurance Cup dream.

The duo played together at Clyde last season and Imrie rates Masterton as one of the country's top dead-ball specialists.

He insists if Craig Brewster's side give away silly free-kicks in dangerous areas on Tuesday night they will be punished.

Imrie can't wait to play against Masterton for the first time since they both left Broadwood and he reckons Caley have the squad to mount a serious challenge this term.

But he knows 'Ton will be looking to claim another scalp after beating Hibs in the last round.

Dougie said: "When First Division clubs draw SPL teams they always want to perform well - I know that from when I played for Clyde.

"I've spoken to Stevie in the last couple of weeks and he says they're looking forward to it.

"We're close mates and this will be the first time we've played against each other in a while.

"I'm just hoping we don't concede too many free-kicks around the 18-yard box because he can be deadly from that area.

"I'll be telling the guys not to give away stupid fouls near the box.

"If Masty gets a few, he'll definitely hit the target with at least one of them.

"The Morton players will see this as an ideal showcase for them because everyone wants to play in the SPL."

Imrie has watched in envy as smaller clubs have made a major impact on the cup competitions recently.

He's adamant Caley can kickstart a run this year and go all the way to Hampden.

Dougie said: "Gretna, St Johnstone and Queen of the South have all done well in cup sand got to Hampden.

"Our squad is good enough to reach a final."

Meanwhile, Morton new boy Chris Smith feels moving from Rangers to Cappielow is a step up as it gives him first-team football.

The young centre-back was released by the Ibrox club in the summer but says he'd never get a chance at Murray Park anyway.

That's why he's delighted to be part of Davie Irons' squad and can't wait for their Co-op Cup clash with Inverness Caley.

Chris said: "I've settled in well and I'm enjoying it.

"I was at Rangers for three years and it was weird to leave.

"As much as it's a drop down in club, it's a step up in football. I look on it as a step forward because I'm playing first-team games.

"When you are at a team as big as that it's difficult to get a chance.

"Morton are a good club for me to progress at.

"I'm looking forward to the cup game. No-one expected us to beat Hibs in the last round.

"We're a decent side and I don't know why we are bottom of the league."