FAIRYDEAN Rovers manager Steven Noble hopes to turn over the Scottish Cup holders ahead of kicking off the Lowland League campaign.

The Gala gaffer will welcome Neil Lennon's Hibernian to Netherdale on Friday evening for his team's final warm-up match.

And he can't think of a better way to prepare for the following weekend's trip to BSC Glasgow than a win against the Hampden heroes.

Noble told us: "I have been pleased with the way we have applied ourselves in all our pre-season matches and I am confident we've built a squad that will take us to our highest position in the Lowland League.

"Hibs will be very tough, but that's what we want in our final pre-season match.

"It would be a great boost for everyone at the club if we could get a result and it would set us up nicely for the important first few matches of the league."

Hibernian were in the Borders on Saturday with no fewer than seven first-team squad members helping to beat Coldstream 8-1 at Home Park.

James Keatings scored a hat-trick with Oli Shaw bagging a brace and further goals from Callum Crane, Jordon Forster and Jamie Insall.

And last night the Easter Road side were at Yarrow Park to face Garry O'Connor's Selkirk.

They will again bring the Scottish Cup with them on Friday evening after capturing the trophy for the first time in 114 years.

Noble added: "It will be a great occasion to have the Scottish Cup down here.

"I'm sure a lot of Hibs fans will come along to see the cup."

Noble has already signed 14 players for the forthcoming season with former Selkirk goalkeeper Jamie Newman expected to put pen to paper this week.

Former Coldstream strikers Danny Simpson, who impressed with two goals against Morpeth on Saturday, and Ashley Langford are also expected to sign this week.

Former Fairydean favourite Kyle Collins, who has featured in several pre-season matches, is also understood to join Noble's squad.

Friday's match between Gala Fairydean Rovers and Hibernian kicks off at 7.45pm.

*On Sunday Vale of Leithen will host Celtic at Victoria Park.

Brendan Rogers is expected to bring a strong squad down to Victoria Park following his team's International Champions Cup match with Leicester City the previous day.

The Vale of Leithen against Celtic game kicks off at 2pm.