[Sports]Celtic and Rangers host second-tier sides in Scottish Cup

[Maheso]

Holders Celtic and city rivals Rangers were both handed home draws against second-tier opponents in the draw for the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.

Celtic will take on Raith Rovers, while Rangers host fellow Glasgow side Queen's Park.

Speaking on Premier Sports immediately after the draw, Queen's Park head coach Callum Davidson said: "Financially, it is great for the club to get a draw like that, but it will be a tough game for us."

Three other Premiership sides will host Championship opposition.

Dunfermline Athletic visit Aberdeen, while St Johnstone, sitting bottom of the Premiership, will entertain Hamilton Academical.

And Dundee will take on Airdrieonians after becoming the final side to clinch their place in the fifth round with a 1-0 victory over city rivals Dundee United on Monday.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty told BBC Scotland: "We'll give Airdrieonians the upmost respect. I've just glad we've got a home tie.

"I see the atmosphere tonight and that's what you can get at Dens Park with the synergy between players and fans. They see the effort the players are putting in, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves - tonight was a real big task to beat a good side at home and keep a clean sheet."

There will be one all-Premiership tie, as St Mirren host Heart of Midlothian.

Second-tier promotion hopefuls Ayr United head to Easter Road to face Hibernian, where manager Scott Brown started his playing career.

The quarter-finals will feature one team outside the Premiership, with Championship side Livingston hosting League 1 outfit Cove Rangers.

Ties will be played on the weekend of 8/9 February.

 

 

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy8xenn0731o