Hay relishing return to Celtic Park

Published on Tuesday 2 September 2008 00:36

DAVID Hay believes Livingston have landed the "ideal" draw at Celtic in the last-16 of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The former Parkhead manager is relishing a return to the home of the SPL champions in his new role as Livingston's football consultant to manager Roberto Landi.

Hay, who led Celtic to a dramatic title in 1986, said: "It's not about me, but I'm still looking forward to going back to Parkhead.

"It's an ideal draw for Livingston. It was the draw we were looking for from a financial point of view. We wanted to consolidate off the field and this tie will go a long way to doing that.

"The team also set out this year to consolidate and it's going that way too, as they have started well.

"Roberto always sends his team out to have a go and I'm sure Parkhead will be no different."

Rangers face a tricky tie against Partick Thistle when they begin their defence of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The Ibrox side travel to Firhill in the third round hoping for a more convincing display than last season.

Walter Smith's men needed two attempts to overcome the plucky Irn-Bru First Division side in the Scottish Cup, winning 2-0 in the replay after being held at Ibrox.

Airdrie United were rewarded for their efforts in disposing of Hearts in the last round with a difficult away tie against Dundee United.

Fellow 'giant-killers' Morton – who overcame Hibernian – will play host to Inverness.