Derek McInnes doesn't think it would be a big surprise if Kilmarnock knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup today.
The Killie boss acknowledged that his team could not have obtained a more formidable draw than an away draw in the fourth round against the reigning champions and runaway Premiership leaders.
However, McInnes led former club Aberdeen to a 2-1 fifth round victory over Neil Lennon's Celtic in 2014, and is convinced his Killie team, which won twice at home to the Celts, and drew away from home against Brendan Rodgers' team last season. – are perfectly capable of achieving a similar result.
“We are a Premier League club, last season we were the fourth best team in Scotland,” McInnes said. “Obviously, we still have work to do to try to be something similar this season, and I know we have some injuries, but a lot of the same players who will play on Saturday played a big role in these wins (last season).
“I remember my first year at Aberdeen, we went to Celtic Park in the Scottish Cup and we also beat a much-loved Celtic team.
“It wouldn't be the biggest surprise in the world. It would be a shock, there's no doubt about it and I'm sure you guys (in the media) would say that, but it wouldn't be the biggest shock if we can go there and get a win.
Derek McInnes is confident his players can get a result against Celtic this weekend
Nicolas Kuhn scored in Celtic's 2-0 win when the teams met in November.
Calvin Ramsay could make his debut at Kilmarnock after arriving on loan from Liverpool
“We came in confident, we've been much better with our defensive work lately and that will be tested on Saturday.”
Although Kilmarnock are currently ninth in the Premiership, McInnes takes heart from the spirited performance his team put in when they were deemed unlucky to lose 2-0 to Celtic at Rugby Park last November.
“We were dealt a very tough hand when the tie was achieved,” he said. “You always want a draw at home, but you certainly don't want an away draw at Celtic Park.
“In the same way, it is an exciting tie for the players to be able to try it. We created a lot of chances against them here and we probably should have won that game.
“Going to Celtic Park is always a bit more of a challenge for clubs like ours, but it's a cup tie.”
McInnes, who could make his debut alongside on-loan Liverpool right-back Calvin Ramsay, added: “We'll try to battle with them and make it the kind of game we want it to be.” “We will try to stay in the game and stay focused.”