TALBOT manager Tommy Sloan has done his homework on Saturday’s cup opponents.

Lochee United are currently mid-table in the East Super League but will provide a stern test over the two matches.

Sloan said: “This will be a massive game but it is great to be in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

“It is a tough draw as teams reach this stage on merit.

“I have had them watched and they were pretty impressive when they beat Broxburn 3-1.

“I am not sure if there had been a few changes but they lost 1-0 to Dundonald the second time we watched them.

“Lochee have already put out two top Ayrshire teams, Beith and Meadow, so we need to be aware how good they are.

“They are dangerous on the break and also have a few ex-seniors in their ranks.

“Connor Birse, who scored a hat-trick in the quarter-final at Beith, and Brian Deasley will pose a threat.

“Deasley had just signed from Dundee the last time we played Lochee, a few years ago, and is just back from injury.”

“We managed to get through against them on that occasion, so I am hoping that is a good omen.”

With a two-legged semi-final to negotiate, Sloan’s thoughts at this stage are only on the first leg at Beechwood Park.

He added: “Any sort of result in our favour will do me in the first match.”

Talbot should be at full strength, with only keeper Andy Leishman and Ross Harvey slight doubts at this stage.