Gillies ready to rough it with Webster

Published on Friday 6 January 2012 01:40

PLUMBER David Gillies will try and throw a spanner in the works of Hearts’ William Hill Scottish Cup hopes tomorrow, and the Auchinleck Talbot striker is looking forward to pitting himself against Andy Webster – despite claiming the defender left him black and blue the last time their paths crossed.

The 28-year-old has the pedigree to match his confidence – he has hit the net 22 times in 19 games this season. But he also has personal experience of how difficult it will be to get the better of Webster, his probable immediate opponent at Tynecastle tomorrow.

“I faced Andy once before, playing for Airdrie United in a ‘bounce’ game at Murray Park – during which he kicked me all round the park. I am a Rangers fan, so playing against the likes of Webster, Steven Whittaker and Kris Boyd was a big thrill,” Gillies recalls.

“I made my Airdrie debut in a home pre-season friendly, during which Bobo Balde slapped me – so I know my style of play can ruffle top senior defenders, and that’s what I intend doing on Saturday,” the Troon-based front man went on.

“In junior football, you have to be able to look after yourself, so given some of the fouls I’ve been subjected to by junior defenders, I don’t think Webster, Zaliukas or whoever is in central defence for Hearts can get to me.”

Gillies has shown resilience in his personal life, too, having beaten the chronic bowel disorder Crohn’s Disease, and although his “day job” is as a plumber he is actually giving up definite money in the hope of a winning bonus tomorrow.

He explained: “I have been working on a job up in Peterhead for the past few weeks and with the additional money I can make by working weekends, plus the travel difficulties, I would have missed a few games, had they been played.

“I was due back at work on Wednesday, but have extended my break so I can play in the cup tie. This is too big a game to miss.”

Gillies accepts that, at 28 and having had spells with Ayr United and Stenhousemuir, as well as Airdrie United, his top-flight chance has gone, but, like the other Talbot players, he is determined that the Ayrshire giants put on a good show as representatives of the junior game.

“Particularly here, you always want to win the Junior Cup, but, with the added bonus of victory getting you into the senior Scottish Cup, games like this are a welcome bonus.

“I missed our last cup run, when we were beaten by a Stirling Albion side who were flying at the time, so I am determined to make the most of the occasion tomorrow.

“Mind you, it will not be like a normal game for us, where we are expected to win and always go for it. The gaffer [Tommy Sloan] will not have us going gung-ho for victory at Tynecastle. But I will be looking for a Hearts jersey as a memento.”

Taken from the Scotsman