DEREK Gaston watched yesterday’s Scottish Cup fourth round draw and admits he was relieved when Morton avoided the big guns.

Ton were drawn with Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park for the first time in the competition in 37 years and Gaston was pleased that his side were picked out of the hat to play in a ‘winnable’ tie.

But the keeper is certainly not counting his chickens because he knows the danger Allan Johnston’s side can cause. 

The 30-year-old stopper is simply glad to be in with a better chance of winning against Dunfermline, who Ton face tonight in the Championship, than the likes of Celtic or Rangers.

He told the Tele: “Obviously you’ve got the teams from the Premiership in there but I prefer to get the lowest ranked teams at home to give us the best chance of progressing.

“Nothing is a gimme and teams can cause upsets but I’d always rather play the easiest team on paper rather than the glamorous ties against Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and the sorts.

“We’ve got a winnable tie against Dunfermline, whereas if you’re coming up against Celtic at Parkhead it automatically becomes a lot less so. The chances of progression would be very slim.”

But he admitted: “When the draw is made you’re always looking for a team outside your own league because you’ll already play them at least four times a season. To avoid them is a bonus.

“If you can’t you’re then looking for a home game but unfortunately we didn’t get one. But it is a winnable game. We play Dunfermline tonight as well and the last time we played them was really close and we nicked it at the end. 

“Both teams will fancy their chances in the cup and whoever plays the best on the day will progress I’d imagine.”

Of tonight’s game with the Pars, Gaston remembers the last time the two sides met in league action when Ton secured a 3-2 victory in the dying seconds.

But he is adamant it will be a different prospect this time round and that the Greenock outfit will have their work cut out for them against a game Dunfermline team.

He said: “There’s not much between the teams and we’ll both be confident tonight. 

“We’ve had the wee break which has given us the chance to rejuvenate and get the energy back whereas they’ve maybe played a game or two in the last few weeks which could have an effect either way.

“We just need to be on our game, play well and hopefully leave with the three points.”