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Friday, 15 March, 2002, 20:55 GMT
Ayr look to manager for belief
Gordon Dalziel after helping Raith Rovers beat Celtic to win the Coca Cola Cup
Gordon Dalziel (left) shows off the League Cup in 1994
Gordon Dalziel's charges at Ayr United will use their manager's example as proof that victory over the Old Firm in a cup final is not an impossibility.

Dalziel scored as Raith Rovers beat Celtic in the Coca Cola Cup final in 1994 against all the odds.

Ayr know they are underdogs for Sunday's final, but refuse to go into the game accepting they are already beaten.

"There's always a possibility, stranger things have happened in football," said Ayr striker James Grady.

"If you look at the manager's situation at Raith Rovers, they went into the final against Celtic and nobody gave them a chance.

"But they came out holding the cup, so we hope we can do the same."


You always get one or two chances and with a little bit of luck it could be our day
John Hughes
Ayr captain
Grady insists Ayr will not be there just to make up the numbers.

"Hopefully we will come out of the final with no regrets, there's no point in not having a go.

"But I don't think they'll underestimate us. Alex McLeish will do his homework.

"If they do underestimate us, they could go home with their tails between their legs."

Ayr skipper John Hughes says there is no way McLeish will allow complacency among his squad.

"I've worked under him and there's no way that will happen. He'll be determined to win his first trophy with Rangers," said Hughes.

"We know it's a massive task, but we're happy to be massive underdogs - it takes all the pressure off us.

"You always get one or two chances in a game and, with a little bit of luck, it could be our day."


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05 Feb 02 | CIS Ins Cup
06 Feb 02 | CIS Ins Cup
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