The Victoria Park side host in-form Gala Fairydean Rovers, who left Innerleithen last week with a 4-1 Lowland League victory.

And the bookies have installed Stevie Noble’s visitors as the long odds-on favourites to repeat the win.

But Lamb, who has rebuilt a team from scratch over the summer, believes his young players are capable of causing a shock.

He told us: “The vast majority of our players will be making their Scottish Cup debuts - I know and they know they will have to do better than the last time we played Gala.

“We have four players back from holiday and injury, and we are close to full strength this time.

“It is a massive day for the club and we shouldn’t be written off.” The only player missing from Lamb’s squad is centre-half James Elliot, who is on holiday.

But the only doubt for the large Gala squad is keeper John Dodds, who is recovering from a swollen ankle.

Fairydean Rovers boss Noble told us: “We will go into the game with confidence but we also know that we have to be at our very best if we want to get through.

“Vale have a few boys back from the last time we played - it’s not going to be easy.” The winners of tomorrow’s preliminary round clash will go into the first round hat next week.

A total of 36 clubs from across the Lowland, Highland, East, South and Juniors will contest the first round on September 13.

Lamb added: “It is a pity that at least one Borders club will go out at this preliminary stage but on the other hand it is a derby and there will be a good crowd.” Selkirk’s SFA licence earned them an automatic spot in the first round while Coldstream received a bye in the preliminary round draw.

The only other Borders team in Scottish Cup action tomorrow is Hawick Royal Albert, who travel to South of Scotland league leaders Newton Stewart.

Peebles Rovers are in Image Printers Cup action tomorrow.

John O’Harra’s team travel to unbeaten Selkirk.

All of the cup matches kick off at 3pm.