Goudie is key man as Heriot's look to avoid a giant-killing in defence of Scottish Cup

IN-FORM full back Colin Goudie was today tipped to steer Heriot's a step nearer the defence of their Scottish Hydro Cup in tomorrow's quarter final at Division Two leaders Stirling County.

Former Scotland club internationalist Goudie has roared back to form with three tries in the last two games and along with fit again winger Marc Teague will form a twin spearhead.

Heriot's coach Bob McKillop, who welcomes back Graham Wilson, Alan Dymock and Finlay Gillies from representative duty, said: "Colin went through a spell when he was thinking too much about how things were unfolding around him in a game.

"As soon as he got back to putting a priority on enjoying himself he has been outstanding as well as thoroughly reliable in playing 25 of our 26 games so far while Marc claimed his first try since shoulder surgery when we defeated Dundee last week and is out to make up lost time.

"Stirling beat us at home in the league last season before being relegated and are now on their way back to Division One with some outstanding players in Alex Moffat, Craig Deacons, Danny Gilmour, Stuart Edwards and Robbie Boswell. They've taken two Premiership scalps in Hawks and Selkirk so we have to be wary."

Currie head for Third Division Howe of Fife with coach Ally Donaldson welcoming back seven players who have been on under-20 or club international duty.

"Howe had a fantastic result away to West in the previous round. As such they demand full respect, especially in front of a large and vocal home crowd," said Donaldson who will also be aware of the fact Howe, currently third in their league, dispatched former finalists Kelso in the opening round.

In Premiership One, Boroughmuir bid to pick themselves up from a home defeat by Watsonians away to a Dundee. 'Muir recall Tom Bury and Malcolm Clapperton to the back-line while fit-again back-rower Lynton Brinck starts on the bench.

Stewart's Melville wind down their campaign at Selkirk with Michael Donneghan and Colin Phillips returning and Ben Leathes back after suspension. Alex Godsmark starts at full back after impressing in the cup against Ayr with captain Richard Borthwick moving to outside centre.