Billy Dodds calls on Inverness Caley Thistle to avoid World Cup-style shock against Stirling Albion in Scottish Cup
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Billy Dodds has served a World Cup warning to Caley Thistle ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup visit of Stirling Albion.
The Inverness head coach only had to watch Saudi Arabia stun Argentina and Japan shock the Germans to be reminded of cup football’s propensity for shattering upsets.
The League Two Binos, on paper at least, should be easy meat for a Caley Jags team with Championship title aspirations, but travel north on a run of just one defeat – and eight wins – from their last 11 matches.
The gulf in divisions will not dilute the fact that Darren Young’s side have momentum and a strong winning habit.
On top of that, Stirling can also draw on the memory of a 2–2 draw and penalties win in the League Cup group stages back in July 2021.
“I have been watching plenty of the World Cup and it already typifies cup competition,” Dodds said.
“We have seen a couple of big shocks already and that’s what you have to be wary of in cups.
“We have got a tricky tie against Stirling Albion and we don’t want any of that coming our way.
“The World Cup so far has been really enjoyable and those shocks always help. They are enjoyable for everyone but the teams on the receiving end of it, so we will be well warned coming into the Scottish Cup fixture.”
After six games without a win, a home victory against lesser opposition could be the spark Caley Thistle need amid their injury crisis and with Dundee visiting next in the league.
“It’s another important game – Stirling Albion are absolutely flying with a former Aberdeen teammate of mine Darren Young as their manager,” Dodds stressed.
“We have to be careful. Yes, they are a League Two team, but they have only been beaten once in 11 games, and that was against Annan when Stirling had a man sent off.
“When you come up against any team with momentum and confidence, it’s a tricky tie, but we’re at home and we’re looking forward to the game.
“Hopefully we can progress to the next round.”
Caley Thistle have no change to their injury list, which means at least eight senior players and potential starters remain absent.
