Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes accepted yesterday’s Scottish Cup draw could have been much kinder to his side, but believes the Dons can make their next trip to Edinburgh one to remember.
The Dons, beaten 2-0 by Hibernian at Easter Road in the third round of the League Cup in September, were dealt another difficult draw with a tie against Hearts at Tynecastle in January.
It is the standout match of the fourth round, pitting the second and third teams in the top flight against one another.
Aberdeen ran out 3-1 winners against Hearts earlier this season to end a five-year wait for a victory at Tynecastle and McInnes sees no reason why his side cannot triumph in the capital once again.
He said: “The draw could have been far kinder to us as it is going to be a really tough tie. But, on the other hand, it is a brilliant tie to be involved in and we will look forward to it.
“We will be looking to go into it on good form.
“You don’t get to where Hearts are in the league without being a good team. But it will be a tough match for them as well.
“I imagine it is likely to be a sellout and both teams will have good respect for each other going into the game. It has the makings of a brilliant match.”
The Dons tasted defeat in their opening round of the Scottish Cup last season with a 2-1 reverse at Dundee last November and McInnes is determined for a more prolonged stint in the competition this term.
He added: “The motivation is always there to do well in the Scottish Cup. We put that pressure on ourselves. We have been very consistent in the league over the past few seasons and we aim to do the same this year. We have had success in the League Cup and reached two semi-finals.
“We want to go far as we can. An Aberdeen team should always see it as an opportunity to do well regardless of who we are playing.”
Aberdeen’s under-20 side won 2-0 at Kilmarnock in the SPFL development league yesterday afternoon thanks to goals from Craig Storie and Scott Wright.
Caley Thistle will begin their defence of the cup with an away tie against Stirling Albion.
Full draw, Page 53