John Innes this week caught up with Locos boss Dave Cormie and coach Ian Duguid as they and their fellow coaches plot the downfall of the Banffers. And he also spoke to Ritchie Singer, a player doubly desperate to do well having suffered a cruciate ligament injury at Stirling in December 2005.

First of all he asked Mr Cormie about the importance of having a huge crowd cheering on Inverurie Locos on the day.

DC: "The crowd have been excellent here over the years and Vale will come > down with a massive support. It would be very nice if Locos fans turn up in big numbers to cheer the lads on. Both sets of fans will have input into Saturday.

JI: "The two approaches? Vale a tough League game at Fraserburgh last week, yourselves a free date. Any benefit to the players in a wee rest or would you have liked a tough game to set the boys up?

DC: "We'd have preferred to be playing no doubt about that but it was a very good Monday training session bringing back the farmed out players. I'm quite happy in the knowledge we have strength in depth.

"The problem for Saturday is that two outfield players have to be 21 or under and there has to be a recognised second keeper as well. So my bench, which is usually full of options, is limited for Saturday through those rulings. But we've accommodated for that and I think we've a side that will give Vale a problem or two."

JI: "The strengths of your own team right now are there for all to see. What about your opponents. Where are their strong points?"

DC: "I think the Vale never change. Under Gregg Carroll they played excellent football, under Stuart Glennie and Scott Anderson they continue to play very well. Scott was a player of good football himself and he demands that of the team he controls now.

"Guys at the back like Bryan Dlugonski and big Scott Fraser, he in particular has become a better player by a mile since he joined the Vale, he's a big strong centre half who can now play a bit. Dippy Dolan at the back continues to be probably the best left back in the League.

"Mark Chisholm, not only a fantastic player but fantastic goalscorer. So every set piece will be a problem we don't get every Saturday hopefully we'll be prepared for that. So from back to front, although Robbie Duncanson has not had the best of luck the last few games he started his Vale career with a bang and over the season I think he'll be a good signing. All very good players and my aim is to give them more problems than they give us."

JI: "One of two of the top Highland League teams has to go out, if not on Saturday after a replay. How important for players to settle in quickly in what could be a nervy encounter?"

DC: "I think there was every chance we'd pull a Highland League team. What was important was getting a home draw so I see it as an excellent draw.

"Yes one team will go out but in the old Qualifying Cup system only four sides progressed to the real stuff so the new format is what I'm all for. I'll happily play Highland League clubs all the way if necessary until we can pull a Premier League club in the Fourth Round.

JI: "Finally the importance of family support behind players going into the game. Here's Kenny Coull settled as a dad for the second time, becoming a real family orientated club."

DC: "Yes, very interesting when I came back here seeing guys who were young lads when I was first here. That's Kenny's second daughter, Craig Ross has a son and you look at the others like Mark Simpson who's been a dad for a while. Lots of dads in the dressing room but over the years I've had too get used to them being big babies too!"

Locos were allowed to enter the Scottish Cup for the first time in 2002 but whether under the old Qualifying Cup system otr the new all in format they've failed to win a game and progress. So how does Ian Duguid view the approach to this one?

"It really has to be the same as every other big game. The Vale we know so much about and vice versa. Never in my time here have I seen an easy Scottish Cup tie to approach. We've always had it tough. This will be no different to playing East Fife, Stirling Albion and Airdrie Utd.

"The two top teams in the League at the moment, probably both deserve to be through, but there can be only one winner and we'll al be in that home dressing room ready to go out on the park and make sure it's us."

And finally an appraisal of the Vale from winger Singer: "They're a very good side, they've got two very good players back in Mike McKenzie and Graeme Watt. They'll be back to full strength and like us know the occasion. A very tough game.

"We've yet to record a victory in the Scottish Cup so that's another challenge for us, but it was a very good session on Monday.

"I'm back fully fit and have started every game apart from the Cup game at Huntly. Everybody is pushing for a place, there was Ross McWilliam back playing well so I know I have to keep my form up. The crowd is normally very good at home and Vale will take a very good crowd so here's hoping we give ours plenty to cheer.

"It doesn't seem right one of us going out but you take it as it comes. We have to get on with the job and hope it all comes right by 5pm."

The draw for Round Two takes place after the Lochee Utd v Bathgate Thistle match, two of the top Junior sides who qualified for the competition.