Defender Brad McKay reflects on his past with Hearts as he faces them in the cup.

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Brad McKay, a defender for Brechin City, is set to face his boyhood club, Hearts, in a thrilling Scottish Cup fourth-round match. The game, taking place at Glebe Park, is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of 3,500 fans and will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland.
McKay, who joined Brechin last summer, has fond memories of his time at Tynecastle and is eager to make an impact in this high-stakes encounter.
Facing the past: A dream come true
Growing up, McKay dreamed of playing for Hearts, a wish he kept close to his heart until it became a reality.
“Hearts is my boyhood club, and I’ve got amazing memories from my time there,” he shared. The 31-year-old defender recalls blowing out birthday candles and wishing to don the maroon jersey. Now, as he prepares to face his former team, he reflects on the journey that has brought him to this moment.
Hope and determination against the odds
Despite the challenges of facing a Premiership side, McKay remains optimistic about Brechin’s chances. “We’re definitely hopeful we can do something – you play every game to win ultimately,” he stated. Acknowledging the quality of Hearts’ players, he emphasizes the importance of strong defense and a bit of luck. McKay’s mindset is focused on the possibility of victory, envisioning himself scoring the winning goal or keeping a clean sheet.
A memorable performance and team spirit
In the previous round, McKay made headlines by scoring his first senior hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Cowdenbeath after extra time. This remarkable achievement is particularly rare for a defender, and it has boosted the team’s morale. “Getting a hat-trick in the last round was great – and it’s pretty rare for a defender, I suppose,” he remarked, recalling the disbelief and joy of that moment. The team celebrated together, and McKay humorously noted that his teammates imposed a fine on him for every mention of his hat-trick during their Christmas trip to Dublin.
As Brechin City prepares for this exciting cup tie, McKay’s journey from a young boy dreaming of playing for Hearts to a key player for Brechin is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. With the Scottish Cup offering a platform for underdogs to shine, McKay and his teammates are ready to give their all in pursuit of an upset against their formidable opponents.