FALKIRK manager John Hughes insists there is no chance his players will under-estimate Co-operative Insurance Cup opponents Queen of the South tonight.
The Bairns go into the third-round match having slipped to the bottom of the SPL at the weekend, despite achieving a 1-1 draw away to St Mirren.
Hughes' men have suffered a trying start to the campaign, faced with a string of injuries, a difficu
lt fixture list and some indifferent form.
Having finally eased their way to a first league victory against Hearts ten days ago, Hughes is confident fortunes are on the up at Falkirk.
However, he is wary of the visit of a First Division side he has the utmost respect for.
Hughes said: "We've picked up over the last couple of weeks. I was a little bit disappointed we didn't pass the ball very well on Saturday.
"But if we can get back to that and show some of the form we showed early in the season we'll be okay.
"Queen of the South are a right good side. We've had them watched four times and we know they're a good team. I also like (Queens manager] Gordon Chisholm, I've got a lot of respect for him.
"There's a potential banana skin there, but I've told the players they're a hard-working side who play some good football and we're going to have to be at our best. They've got experience and good youth, as well as one or two players that will want to prove the point that they're still good enough to play in the SPL.
"They'll not be underestimated in any shape or form. They deserve all the respect."
If Queens are to keep alive their hopes of another trip to Hampden after last season's run to the Scottish Cup final, they will have to do so without injured trio Jamie Adams, Sean O'Connor and Neil Scally tonight, while Tom Parratt, a recent signing from Hamilton, is doubtful.
Midfielder Steven Tosh is available after suspension to take on one of his former clubs.
The full article contains 352 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
