Celtic and Rangers Draw Home Ties in Scottish Cup Last-16

Celtic the holders and their city rivals Rangers both drew home matches against second-tier teams in the Scottish Cup last-16 draw. Celtic will face Raith Rovers while Rangers will host Glasgow-based Queen’s Park. Queen’s Park head coach Callum Davidson acknowledged the financial benefit of the draw but also recognized the challenge ahead for his team. Three other Premiership teams will also face Championship opposition at home.

Dunfermline Athletic will travel to Aberdeen while bottom-ranked St Johnstone will host Hamilton Academical. Dundee, who secured their place in the fifth round with a 1-0 win over Dundee United will play against Airdrieonians at home. Dundee manager Tony Docherty praised the atmosphere at Dens Park and emphasized the importance of respecting Airdrieonians. The only all-Premiership tie will see St Mirren host Heart of Midlothian.

Ayr United aiming for promotion to the Premiership will travel to Hibernian’s Easter Road where their manager Scott Brown began his playing career. Championship side Livingston will host League 1 team Cove Rangers, marking the only tie featuring a team outside the Premiership in the quarter-finals. The Scottish Cup ties will take place over the weekend of February 8-9. This round features several exciting matchups with underdog teams hoping to upset higher-tier clubs and make their mark on the competition.