Caley Thistle clash is just the job for Spartans goalkeeper Paddy Martin

Capital outfit Spartans - along with the lion's share of the other 31 clubs preparing for their Scottish Cup fourth-round ties, are relishing a respite this weekend.

Paddy Martin getting put through his paces. Picture: Mark Brown

There are some intriguing matchups over the next 48 hours or so, East of Scotland side Camelon Juniors host League Two Elgin City, while Auchinleck Talbot welcome Premiership giants Celtic, to their temporary home, Kilmarnock's Rugby Park.

Dougie Samuel's men also fall into this category of being paired with an opponent outwith their own division, League One title hopefuls - and 2015 winners - Inverness Caley Thistle the visitors to the Vanloq Community Stadium tomorrow.

For goalkeeper Paddy Martin, it's a welcome break and an opportunity to experience something new.

"It's always nice to play someone different, from another division, particularly when you play the same teams in the league four times every season," the 26-year-old shot-stopper said. "We're really looking forward to it.

"Inverness obviously got a good result against a Championship team on Tuesday night (defeated Partick Thistle on penalties in KDM Evolution Trophy), so they'll be on a high. But it will be a good test. We've been going pretty well, but I still think there is more to come from us if I'm being honest.

"They are certainly favourites so we'll have to be at our best. They are a great club, I'm glad to see they're out of administration and in a much better state. They have previous of going far in the competition.

"There is always a bit more excitement in the build up to Scottish Cup weekend. As the underdogs, it gives you a platform to show what you can do. As players, we all enjoy that opportunity.

"We've got momentum just now. There was a wee bit of a slump towards the end of November, start of December. We don't want to turn up and get easily turned over because that's when you start questioning yourself. Even if we don't go through, you still want to have gone toe-to-toe with them.

"I have some good memories of playing in the competition. We beat Falkirk while I was at Bonnyrigg a couple of seasons ago. Then we got drawn away to Aberdeen in the next round in what was Neil Warnock's first home game as Aberdeen manager. That was a great day, all of my family were there so these occasions are special."

Spartans are flying high at the top of League Two, eight points clear of chasers East Kilbride, although they have played a game more. Martin made the switch last summer from Bonnyrigg following their relegation to the Lowland League and has made the goalkeeper position his own. He has racked up 24 appearances already, limiting club legend Blair Carswell's minutes on the pitch. It's a move that couldn't have gone much smoother.

"It's been great working with Dougie, he's really unique in his approach to everything," Martin said. "It's been really easy to settle into the squad too. We are in a good place but the league is tight as anyone can beat any team on their day. Blair has been brilliant. It can be easy if you've been there for a while and someone comes in and plays most weeks to feel a little down, but he's been very supportive, offering good advice. I like to think when's he's played I've shown him the same support. There's a real respect there between us.

"The gaffer always keeps our feet firmly on the ground. Even after we've picked up a win, enjoy it for 24 hours but then it's straight back to work. The message is very much we've given ourselves a chance but there's still a lot more to do. We're going into the second half of the season with that opportunity to achieve something."