If I mark Shanks I can talk him into signing new deals at Hearts

Spartans stopper Waugh is a diehard Jambo and can't wait to face red-hot hitman

- FRASER WILSON

FEW Hearts fans would swither when asked if they'd want Lawrence Shankland leading the line as they kick off their Cup bid tomorrow.

But Jambos diehard Kevin Waugh has good reason to wish his favourite player was nowhere near Spartans' Ainslie Park come 12.15 pm.

Because it'll be his job to try and stop the top flight's most deadly marksman. Waugh admits he's in two minds about facing 18-goal Shanks who has been at the centre of almost constant transfer speculation.

At least it would provide the Spartans skipper with an opportunity to try and convince his rival to sign the new deal Hearts have tabled.

But Waugh - who ironically enjoyed his greatest Cup moment in a HIBS shirt by lifting the youth version at Hampden six years ago knows his side's chances of springing a shock would be multiplied if there was no sign of Shankland.

He said: "I'm born and bred Hearts, my entire family are "There will be some split loyalties with them on Saturday afternoon.