DON'T ROON IT; THE Homecoming Scotland SCOTTISH CUP SPECIAL... Caley star Adam warns pals to be on their guard INVERNESS v PARTICK TH Today, Caledonian Stadium, 3pm.

Byline: By Euan McArthur

ADAM ROONEY recalls Stoke City going close to a FA Cup exit at the hands of Tamworth - and is desperate to avoid a similar scare against Partick Thistle.

The Inverness striker made his Stoke debut three years ago in a FA Cup replay when the then-Championship outfit had to live through a nail-biting penalty shootout before finally seeing off minnows Tamworth.

Cup specialists Caley Thistle will embark on their latest run when First Division Thistle roll up in the Highlands today.

And Rooney, who joined Craig Brewster's men from Stoke in the summer, needs no reminding of how his former club almost ended up on the receiving end of a massive shock.

Rooney said: "I'll never forget my debut for Stoke in the FA Cup.

"We had drawn with Tamworth in the first game and hardly anybody gave them a chance in the replay.

"That meant all the pressure was on us to finish the job off but they made life really difficult for us.

"It finished 1-1 after extra-time and thankfully we got there in the end after penalties.

"I remember the tension of the shoot-out and thinking of the reaction if we had lost because Stoke were giants compared to Tamworth.

"Partick Thistle are underdogs for this tie but we can't take anything for granted. It's a potential banana skin.

The Cup can be a great experience but only if you get the right result."

For Inverness, the tie is a timely distraction from their SPL troubles.

Brewster's men sit bottom of the table, three points behind Hamilton, but hope to leave their woes behind in the hope of kick-starting their season.

And Rooney said: "The players are looking at this as a welcome break from the league.

"The SPL is the most important thing but maybe the Cup has come at just the right time for us.

"Our results recently haven't been good but we wouldn't be the first team to struggle then go on a cup run.

"This is a chance to kick-start our season because progressing in the Cup can boost everyone's confidence just when we need it.

"I've heard all about Inverness beating Celtic twice in past seasons and you never know what might happen - provided we can take care of Partick Thistle first."

Rooney has earned a reputation as a super sub since moving north but he insists he wants to lose that tag and show what he can do for real.

The Irishman said: "It's been a bit frustrating because every player aims to play from the start.

"I've scored a few goals coming off the bench but I would rather be starting.

"If I get the opportunity I won't let anyone down.

"I'm confident in my own ability and sometimes cup competitions can bring the best out in people."

TEAM SHEET

INVERNESS: Defender Phil McGuire is banned but striker Rory McAllister is back training. Boss Craig Brewster hopes to receive SFA clearance to play new signings from Hibs Thierry Gathuessi and Filipe Morais.

PARTICK THISTLE: Kris Doolan goes straight into the squad after signing from Auchinleck Talbot yesterday. But Ian Maxwell, Stephen McKeown, Steven Lennon and Ryan McStay miss out.

Referee: ESmith

CAPTION(S):

ADAM CLOSE SHAVE: Rooney is desperate to avoid becoming victims of giant-killing act