FAIRYDEAN Rovers manager Dean Shanks admits Saturday's Scottish Cup tie against East Stirlingshire is his biggest game since being appointed to the Netherdale hotseat.

And he believes it is a game that can propel his new team to a memorable season.

Shanks has already made Scottish Cup history with his previous club, Hawick Royal Albert, when they stunned Berwick Rangers two seasons' ago to reach the third round for the first time.

Although Gala's league form has so far been hit-and-miss this season, recent results, which included a 6-0 thrashing of Lossiemouth in the first round, has helped build up confidence.

Shanks told us: "There's no getting away from it - this is our biggest game of the season so far.

"If we can get past East Stirlingshire it would be a massive boost for everyone at the club.

"There will be some big names in the third round draw - full time teams from the Championship - and we want to give ourselves a chance of going up against one of them.

"A win on Saturday could also give us the confidence to go on and get ourselves to where we should be in the league as well."

Gala beat Shire 3-0 just three weeks ago at Falkirk Stadium in the Lowland League.

But Derek Ure's team have since defeated Civil Service Strollers and Kelty Hearts.

And they will arrive at Netherdale confident of turning the tables.

Shanks, who watched Shire's win over Kelty on Saturday, added: "The 3-0 win was a great result for us and we've since beaten Spartans - but we were also poor against Gretna in-between and know that we will be out of the cup if we play like that.

"This will be two good teams going up against each other and I believe it is the team who wants it most on the day who will be in the third round.

"Both teams will think they can win this, which points to it being a really good game."

Billy Miller and Sean Conaghan will both be given fitness tests ahead of Shanks naming his squad.

But he has been buoyed by the return of former Scotland age-group striker Craig O'Reilly, who will compete for a starting place with Josh Morris and the tournament's top scorer Ruari Paton.

Fellow Borders side Coldstream, which includes Fairydean Rovers loanee Ben Hardman, will head north yet again for their second round tie.

Jonny Fairbairn's team will face Highland League hotshots Brora Rangers.

Berwick Rangers have home advantage against Vale of Leithen's conquerors Gretna.

All Scottish Cup second round ties kick off at 3pm with the draw for the third round being made on Saturday evening.