Baikie's target is a big gun; THE Homecoming Scotland GET SET FOR BURNS FIGHT AS AYRSHIRE DERBY DAY DAWNS STENNY v EAST FIFE Today, Ochilview, 3pm.

Byline: By Gordon Parks

DAVE BAIKIE has taken his SFL Manager of the Month trophy haul well into double figures after landing the December gong.

But the East Fife boss has his eyes on the prize of a Scottish Cup clash with the Old Firm - a potential reward for his side if they see off Stenhousemuir today.

As he prepares to take his side to Ochilview, Baikie knows they will have to battle to make the next round.

He said: "We'll be regarded as favourites but it's going to be a difficult tie against a side with an excellent home record this season.

"They are the home team and have their artificial pitch, which will give them an advantage, so it's going to be about who plays better on the day.

"When we were leading the Third Division last season we managed to knock both St Mirren and Queen of the South out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup but this time we have to carry the the tag of favourites.

Incentive "It's a one-off situation so it could go either way but there is a huge incentive for both clubs to get through. There could be as many as 10 SPL clubs in the hat for the next round so if we can get past Stenny we'll have a great chance of drawing one of the big guns.

"The dream would be to land one of the Old Firm but I'm certain Stenny also share that ambition. I've had a meeting with my players and hammered home just how difficult this game will be and that we must head to Ochilview with the correct attitude.

"This club doesn't have a great recent history in the competition so it's about time we changed that."

Stenny midfielder Paul Tyrell also insists the odds will go out the window.

He said: "There is no doubt East Fife are the team expected to get through but they'll know we've been in great form on our own ground this season. We're playing with confidence and would fancy our chances against anyone at our place."

TEAM SHEET

STENHOUSEMUIR: Manager John Coughlin is in the happy position of having a full squad available for the visit of the Second Division side.

EAST FIFE: Steven Tweed and Jonathan Smart are injury doubts for the visitors but midfielder Shaun Fagan returns from suspension.

Paul Stewart may retain a place in the starting 11 but Kevin Fotheringham is suspended.

Referee: ENorris.

CAPTION(S):

FOCUSED: East Fife boss Dave Baikie