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Veteran Beith defender Mark McLaughlin admits he is like a kid at Christmas ahead today’s Scottish Cup tie against boyhood heroes Morton.
After dropping down to the junior ranks last season following a spell at Clyde, the 40-year-old thought he would never again get the chance to go up against the club he once captained.
Beith – last season’s Scottish Junior Cup winners – host Jim Duffy’s Championships side in this afternoon’s rearranged third round clash and experienced stopper McLaughlin is relishing the chance to go up against the club he supported and played for.
McLaughlin said: “I’m probably more excited about the game than anybody because Morton is the club I grew up supporting and I used to go to the games with my grandad.
“I spent a year and a half year there as well so I keep in contract with a lot of people there.
“But obviously I will be trying my best to get one over on them.
“If you’re a betting man, there is only one way to bet but the good thing is that that we can go out and enjoy it and there are no expectation levels on us to get a result.
“Hopefully the younger kids enjoy the occasion and enjoy playing against a Championship team to test themselves.
“It’s exciting for them and exciting for myself as it’s the team I grew up supporting and the team I played for and captained. I’m looking forward to it.
“When I lose that excitement for the games, that’s when I know I need to retire. I’ve still got the excitement and the buzz.”
