TEAM boss Stevie Swift is determined to leave no stone unturned to help Kilbirnie Ladeside’s quest for long-awaited ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup glory.

The famous old Ayrshire side are the furthest-travelled of all the West Region hopefuls in tomorrow’s last-16 ties after landing a long-haul trip to face reigning North Region champions Hermes.

And club officials clearly believe their manager’s ambition is well founded after it was revealed Kilbirnie’s travelling party will be heading north later today for an overnight hotel stay ahead of their crunch clash.

Swifty said: “Preparations can play a vital part in the outcome of football games and we didn’t want the players to be getting out of their beds at the crack of dawn tomorrow and having to undergo the rigours of a long bus journey.

“Going this extra mile does not guarantee us a victory against a very strong and powerful Hermes side, but I’m happier for knowing we have done everything possible to get us over this hurdle.”

Swift’s attention to detail led to him and backroom lieutenants Mark Cameron and Gavin Duncan watching on as Hermes ran out 5-4 winners in their fourth-round success away to Glenrothes last weekend.

He said: “Right from the first whistle, Hermes had the bit between their teeth and they had several outstanding individuals on show, particularly in the forward areas, and they impressively built a 5-0 lead with a quarter of an hour left to play when we decided to head back down the road.

“It was a real shock to discover later that Glenrothes had scored four times and missed a penalty over the closing stages, though it should be pointed out that Hermes had two players sent off for double-yellow

offences during this period.

“We had enough of an insight in the early stages as to why they were runaway North Region title winners last season and you can rest assured there will be no hint of any complacency among our players.”

For practically the first time this season, Swifty has the selection luxury of a fully fit 18-man playing squad, including new striker signing Martin Grehan.

He added: “Martin hasn’t featured competitively but has looked the part in training and he will definitely come into our thoughts for a forward line jersey, along with Kevin Turner and Adam Forde.

“Having three strikers of their quality is a welcome kind of headache for me as manager, but not so pleasing is the thought of leaving two players sitting on the sidelines after making the long journey.

“Team spirit and togetherness gets you by these moments as well as the realisation that the big games are coming thick and fast, so they will get their chance to stake a claim.”

Heading in the same direction, albeit only as far as Tayside, are reigning cup holders Auchinleck, whose recent form has been patchy at best.

However, James Latta and company should have too much in their locker for hosts Carnoustie Panmure.

This despite the fact that the Gowfers have a decent cup pedigree of their own and will be fired up at the prospect of taking the biggest scalp of them all.

Contemplating the most difficult away day of them all are Pollok, who head east to face current East Super League leaders Bonnyrigg Rose, whose unbeaten record of 19 games stretching back to early August speaks volumes.

Lok boss Tony McInally has the utmost respect for counterpart Robbie Horn’s side, but he has every confidence in his players – and the firepower supplied by Alan McKenzie, Carlo Monti and the Winters brothers, Davie and Robbie.

And that should be enough to secure a last-eight place, even if it requires a second bite at the cherry.

Macca said: “Bonnyrigg are sitting top of the East League for a reason so we are preparing for a very tough 90 minutes through there.

“The ability to defend your penalty box in these contests is vital and we are fortunate to have both Chris Walker and Paul Gallagher playing at the top of their game right now.

“It’s every bit as important in cup ties on the road to have a scoring threat on the break and I think we have that in abundance, so the game cannot come quick enough.”

Meanwhile, a change of venue has occurred at Central First Division level, where Larkhall Thistle will now host Dunipace, whose ground is unplayable.