Clydebank defender David Syme hoping to deliver a Scottish Cup shock against Hibs

David Syme is hoping to deliver another epic Scottish Cup giant-killing when Clydebank travel to Easter Road this weekend.

The 27-year-old defender, who was part of the Darvel squad that beat Aberdeen two years ago, is juggling running a food distribution business with playing for the Bankies.

He works seven days a week and often finds it difficult to attend Clydebank training, but is excited to swap his daily routine for a shot at cup glory.

On Saturday, they will play one of the biggest games in their history when they play Premiership side Hibernian in the fourth round.

More than 2,000 fans are set to make the journey from West Dunbartonshire to Edinburgh in what could be a memorable occasion for the whole town.

David Syme has Premiership experience with Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle. STV News

But rather than just going for the experience of playing a side of top-flight stature, Clydebank are aiming to create some history of their own.

The club are top of the West of Scotland Premier Division in Scotland’s sixth tier, but a trip to face Premiership opposition presents another challenge entirely.

Speaking of the challenges that come from running a fledgling business with playing football, Syme, said: “It’s quite difficult. I started my own business about a year ago now doing bakery and foodstuff to cafes and restaurants.

“I do that seven days a week and have no days off so it can be quite hard to make training on Tuesday and Thursday nights if staff doesn’t turn up and I am out driving, trying to finish the run.

“It can be quite difficult to manage everything, and I have two beautiful daughters at home as well.”

Clydebank set up the glamour tie with David Gray’s side after beating Buckie Thistle in the third round and Syme revealed the excitement in the camp ahead of the game.

He said: “I’m very excited about the game to be honest, I’ve been looking forward to it for a number of weeks after we beat Buckie and we were all on the group chat when the draw was taking place and Rangers were after us so we were thinking ‘we’re going to get a big tie here’ so when we were drawn away to Hibs it was brilliant.”

Ayrshire side Darvel sent shockwaves throughout Scotland when they knocked Aberdeen out with a 1-0 victory in 2023.

Syme, who was an unused sub when Jordan Kirkpatrick’s goal sent Jim Goodwin’s side packing, believes Clydebank have to go and play their own and not go to the capital on damage limitation mode.

He said: “The (Darvel) boys were phenomenal that night and we have to go with that belief that we can go and perform and play the game we play.

“If we go there and sit back to try and get a 0-0 or keep the scoreline down then what’s the point? We may as well go and have a go at it.”

Manager Gordon Moffat says the game will be an unforgettable experience for all involved and can sense a real “buzz” around the town as it gets closer.

He said: “Excitement is the main thought at the minute, we have a lot of stuff going on, we are doing our analysis and a few wee bits and pieces.

“It’s been a great week and I am delighted for everybody at the club.

“Since the draw was made the players have been really excited by it, I am also really pleased for the club, when I first came here we were just going for our license to get back into the Scottish Cup and this is what we have been aiming for.

“We had a great run a couple of years ago when we were good enough to put out a couple of league one teams, but this time it is obviously another level for us so we are really excited about it.

“I think it’s important to say that while we recognise the gulf that they are full-time athletes playing at the top end of the game in this country, and we are a part-time team, but we have talented players and guys who have been at that level and played in the top league like Davie Syme and Nicky Low, so they know what it’s about.

“That should help us, but the main thing for me is I want us to do ourselves justice and showcase the club and showcase our division and show we have good players at this level.

“There are ten or 11 supporters buses going through for it, which is fantastic, we are taking over 2,200 fans and have sold out the bottom tier.

“It’s an amazing thing for the community and the town and everyone is buzzing for it.

“A lot of people have waited a long time for this, we have come a long way from 20 years ago when we are at the bottom rung.”