Hearts legend and former Brechin City advisor Craig Levein has warned the Jambos they could be shocked by Breedon Highland League opposition again if they underestimate the Hegdemen.
The Highland League leaders welcome the Jam Tarts, who are 11th in the Premiership, to Glebe Park on Friday (7.45pm kick-off) in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
Hearts have suffered at the hands of Highland League opposition before, with Brora Rangers famously defeating them 2-1 at Dudgeon Park in this competition in March 2021.
Of the current Hearts squad, only Craig Halkett, Craig Gordon and Stephen Kingsley were with the Tynecastle club then – and only Halkett played against the Cattachs.
As a player, Levein made 401 appearances for Hearts, and also had two spells as manager of the Edinburgh club, as well as a stint as director of football.
Brora tie is warning for Hearts
In more recent times, the 60-year-old spent and two-and-a-half years as football advisor to the Brechin board, prior to returning to management with St Johnstone in November 2023.
Levein also played in the last Scottish Cup meeting between Hearts and Brechin in the fourth round in February 1985, when the Jambos won a replay at Tynecastle 1-0 following a 1-1 draw at Glebe Park.
Looking ahead to Friday’s encounter, the former Scotland and Dundee United boss said: “Brechin have nothing to lose and that can make it tough, because all the expectation will be on Hearts to win.
“Hearts have experienced being on the end of a shock recently against Brora.
“Although the current management and most of the players weren’t at the club when they lost to Brora, I’m sure it will be brought up this week.
“That’s a recent reminder to Hearts that if you don’t perform at the levels required then the upset can happen.
“If Hearts think it will be easy, they could end up with egg on their face.
“It’s funny how it works that, after 40 years, the clubs are meeting again in the Scottish Cup.
“We needed a replay back then – which shows it’s not always plain sailing in these sort of ties!
“There’s enough warnings there for Hearts. If they go into the game thinking it will be easy, it’s a potential banana skin.”
Levein’s Highland League highlights
Levein got involved at Brechin following their relegation to the Highland League in 2021 and still looks back with fondness on his involvement in north football.
He added: “When Kevin Mackie became chairman, he asked me to come in and give some advice to the board and help them find a manager.
“I loved being involved with Brechin, I met a lot of really good people around the Highland League – volunteers who do a lot for their communities and their clubs.
“The role at Brechin was one of the best jobs I’ve had in football – the only downside was I didn’t get paid for it – but I tried to make up for it by having a few gin and tonics in the Highland League boardrooms!”
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