Grady says Old Firm have lost 'fear factor'

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 23:13

MORTON manager James Grady believes the Old Firm are no longer seen as the force they once were by the rest of Scottish football. But the rookie coach admits his players will still be major underdogs if they manage to progress to a fourth-round clash with Celtic in the Active Nation Scottish Cup.

They will face Tony Mowbray's men at Cappielow on 9 January if they can overcome Second Division Dumbarton in a replay.

"I think there is less of a fear factor now compared to the days when I played against the Old Firm," said Grady, who took over the Morton hot-seat after Davie Irons parted company with the First Division outfit.

"But they are still the Old Firm and they are the best we have got in Scotland. Coming to a lower-league side, they would still be expected to win. If it is Morton who progress, hopefully our players will lift the their level and give them a game.

"Cappielow is a great place to play your football. It's one of the old-style stadiums where everyone is on top of you and there is a decent playing surface.

"Now we are starting to play a bit better than we had been previously, we would be quite confident going into the game. You have to be. I'm sure Celtic will still be confident coming to play a lower-league side. But, if it is us who get through, we would hopefully make it difficult for them and maybe cause a few surprises."

Celtic, with Roy Keane making his debut, lost at First Division Clyde in 2006, so John Kennedy knows his former team-mates will take the threat seriously whoever they play.

"Cup ties are always hard, especially going away from home," said Kennedy, who announced his retirement through injury this month. "We have been involved in shocks so the team have to be fully concentrated on the game.

"These teams will certainly be up for it so it's not going to be easy but I would expect Celtic to win the tie."

Morton were held to a goalless home draw by Dumbarton at the first attempt and Grady admits there will be extra spice to the replay now that both clubs know the prize awaiting the victors.

He said: "It's one of the better draws, with it being a home tie as well. It's one Dumbarton will also look forward to and they will see it as a massive carrot for them as well.

"It's now a massive game on Saturday. I don't think there is any extra pressure. We are the side who are expected to win.

"Dumbarton will lift their game because of the chance to play against one of the Old Firm. But my players will as well so hopefully we take care of it on Saturday and then we can talk about the next game."