Brora Rangers’ Scottish Cup exploits cannot be allowed to distract them from their Highland League ambitions.
That is the view of Cattachs striker Paul Brindle, who believes their league campaign must remain the priority as they seek to lift a third title in six years.
The Cattachs have been drawn away to Premiership side St Johnstone in the cup fourth round but still have a home third-round replay against Championship side Morton next Tuesday.
They travel to Turriff United in the Highland League on Saturday, with manager Steven Mackay faced with resting key players or starting his regular side.
Brindle, who joined from Clach in 2015, says the Highland League takes top billing.
He said: “We always want a good run in the cup but, having not won the league in the last few years, it has to be the priority. If we keep playing like we have then we’ll give ourselves a chance.
“We were favourites at the start of the season but have had a couple of poor results.
“At that time, Fraserburgh and Buckie were hammering teams, so it’s probably quite even.
“From my point of view, I’m confident in the incredible squad that we’ve got that we can win it.
“It’s hard to know what team to pick for Turriff. Do you play the team you’re planning on putting out on the Tuesday or rest boys? We’re fortunate to have a squad of quality players. We played Turriff down there the other week and won comfortably.”
Brindle was a second-half substitute in the first game against Morton at Cappielow, missing a difficult late chance.
They ran League 2 side Cowdenbeath close last season and prior to that they beat East Fife and Stranraer on the way to the fifth round and a Kilmarnock tie.
Brindle added: “It highlights that there’s maybe not as much a gulf in class between teams at the top of the Highland League and teams in the SPFL.
“The Scottish Cup is a big deal for us as we know we can compete – there’s extra incentive to get through these games and play teams we can match.
“We do fancy our chances against Morton but we have to remember they’re a Championship team and a quality side.
“If we put in a performance like we did on Saturday then we give ourselves a chance.”
