Morton v Airdrie: Rhys McCabe calls on Diamonds to seize cup chance

Airdrie player-boss Rhys McCabe has called on his Diamonds to seize their semi-final chance in the SPFL Trust Trophy this weekend.

The Monklands men head to Championship rivals Morton to battle it out for a place in the last four, and McCabe knows the competition represents a huge – and rare – opportunity for the club to win silverware.

Airdrie defeated Rangers B 4-2 last midweek to earn their quarter-final place and they know either Hamilton Accies or Raith Rovers away will await in the semis.

It is over 20 years since Airdrie last lifted the trophy, with Owen Coyle and Mark Roberts netting in a 2-1 win over Alloa in the 2001 final.

But they can take a big step towards a shot at silverware on Saturday when they face a Morton side they defeated 1-0 last month and currently sit bottom of the Championship.

McCabe said: “I said to the boys after the Rangers B game that it is not often in your career, especially at this level, that you get the chance to go and win a trophy or winning a league or play-offs.

“We were fortunate that we did it last year in the play-offs but it is not often at this level you get the chance to go on a cup run, so we’ve got a chance to get into a semi-final.

“It would be great for the club and the players to have that on your CV.

“We are always confident going into any game.

“It is a quarter-final so it is a different kind of game and Morton will make it difficult.”

Hibs loan star Kanayo Megwa has watched the team progress to this stage of the competition from the sidelines, having been cup tied due to his appearances in the earlier rounds with Hibs Under-20s.

But he said: “The boys are looking forward to it.

“Hopefully they can go all the way in the competition and build on what we’ve been doing