Ridgers key to Robbo’s Cup dream

HEARTS goalkeeper Mark Ridgers will find himself in the firing line again this evening as East Fife attempt to complete a hat-trick of cup shocks by beating Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Ridgers was the hero last month when saving three penalties as the Second Division club, managed by Hearts legend John Robertson, beat Aberdeen 4-3 on spot-kicks to reach the Scottish Communities League Cup quarter-finals.

Having eliminated Dunfermline before meeting Aberdeen, East Fife offer clear danger to Kilmarnock’s hopes of making the semi-finals.

Robertson believes another resolute display from his team is essential, and highlighted Ridgers as a key figure.

The 21-year-old is on loan from Hearts until January, along with defender Matthew Park and striker Robert Ogleby.

“He is a good big lad. He is on loan from Hearts and has come to learn his trade,” said Robertson. “He has done that and got a lot of plaudits in the last round, and rightly so. But for us to get through is going to take a huge team effort.

“Kilmarnock at Kilmarnock are a completely different proposition. They keep the ball very well and it will be hard for us to get it. But, the same as the Aberdeen game, if we get the ball we have useful players.”