BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Dean Brett hopes it can be third time lucky for him at Ibrox as Cowdenbeath prepare to try and pull off a massive Scottish Cup shock against Rangers.
The Blue Brazil wing-back was ruled out of both his side’s trips to Govan last season with injuries as the Fifers rubbed shoulders with the fallen Old Firm giants in the Championship.
The 23-year-old played a massive role in setting up tomorrow’s money-spinning cup tie when he grabbed a rare double in the replay triumph over Arbroath in the last round.
And, having been virtually ever-present for Colin Nish’s team this term, the club stalwart was relishing the prospect of finally tasting the Ibrox atmosphere.
However, he missed last weekend’s Fife derby defeat to Dunfermline after daughter Mia was admitted to hospital with bronchitis and, with the tot now recovered, is keeping his fingers crossed he can regain his place.
Brett said: “When the draw was made it was a case of Arbroath or us getting to go there and because I had missed out last season I feared we wouldn’t get through and I would miss out again.
“We all knew it would be a huge one for the club, financially, as well. But thankfully we got through against Arbroath and we’re all looking forward to it.
“Personally, I missed out on playing at Ibrox twice last season, so I can’t wait for this one.
“I missed the game in December because of a knee injury. Then I did my ankle against Hibs in March and missed out again.
“Recently, we had had four wins in a row and I was doing quite well, but I had to miss Saturday’s game and the boys played well against Dunfermline.
“But hopefully the manager can change the team and I can play.”
On Cowdenbeath’s most recent trip to Ibrox in March, they went down 4-1 – but only after keeping it to 1-1 until seven minutes from time.
Brett accepts this is an improved Rangers team but he insists the Blue Brazil must still travel with belief.
He added: “We know it’ll be tough but we’re just looking forward to playing in front of the SKY cameras and a decent crowd at Ibrox.
“We’re up against one of the best teams in Scotland. I watched them against Hibs and they were really good. They keep the ball for fun and they’re pretty powerful.
“So, we’ll need to be on our game to get close.
“Last season it was pretty close through there, 4-1 and 1-0, and we run them pretty close at home as well, where we got a draw and got beat 3-0.
“So, you never know. Hopefully they don’t turn up and think it’s too easy, and we give them a wee fright.”
