Andrew Shinnie believes Stenhousemuir's young team will test Hearts' resolve

The Warriors, who sit two points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship after last Friday’s 1-0 victory away to Livingston, host Wouter Vrancken’s in-form side at Ochilview Park with a place at Hampden up for grabs.

Marvin Bartley’s team host the Jambos in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup having already knocked out top-flight Motherwell on home turf – and ex-Hibs midfielder Shinnie is hoping that his youthful team-mates can draw on that experience.

Speaking ahead of the final eight clash, which is being shown live on Premier Sports with kick-off at 7.45pm, recent signing Shinnie said: “I didn't expect it really, to be in a quarter-final of a cup playing Hearts.

“It is a mad start to my time here. To come in and then beat Motherwell, a team that I really love. Motherwell are a breath of fresh air in Scotland.

"It is brilliant that some clubs are starting to play the way that they have been playing. It's not the way you have to play but I like that clubs are following their lead now.

"When you coach that well, and allow players to play, you get good rotations and passing and things come off.

"They made changes but we still did so well to beat them.”

The 37-year-old added: "We wouldn't have been given a chance to beat Motherwell by most people.

"The astroturf pitch probably makes it a little bit more difficult for Motherwell and Hearts but even then.

"Against Motherwell, we played some good football too. Hearts will be fully focused, they will want do well in the cups.

"They will be expecting to reach finals and lift silverware. They will have high expectations. It is going to be a great game.

"We'll come under real pressure at times, they are a top-end Premiership side.

"Realistically, what do we have to do lose? It is a league cup quarter-final at home for Stenny against Hearts, and it is on TV.

"If you can't get up for that then something is wrong!”

Shinnie went on to hail his team-mates’ strong character, which could come in crucial against top opposition.

The Jambos themselves are now unbeaten in eight competitive outings, and head to Stenhousemuir on the back of three successive league victories.

"Hearts will be so hard to play against, watching them in the derby against Hibs, they have got some incredible players who are playing well,” Shinnie said.

"They're looking good at the minute, that’s for sure. But we are at home again which is great.

“And we will have a game plan and we will train well beforehand. We have such a good group and no-one will get ahead of themselves. We'll keep our feet on the ground. That is so important when a game like this comes along, and we have that.

"I knew Gregor (Buchanan) and DJ (Darren Jamieson) the goalkeeper from doing our coaching badges together.

"But outwith them, I didn't really know too many of the Stenny squad. There's a lot of younger lads and loan players.

"I've been so, so impressed with them. Most of them could play full-time if they wanted, and I am sure that will come in time.

"Marvin wanted a good blend of youth and energy. We have a good mixture with folk like myself or Ross Meechan for example bringing that experience.

"I wanted to play under Marvin and Neil again because I knew they’d set up the team so well.”

Meanwhile, the midfielder revelled in scoring the winner against his former side last time out.

Shinnie, alongside his new manager Bartley and assistant boss Neil Hastings, all left Livingston with a sour taste as the club decided to move in a different direction.

That hasn’t worked – with Glenn Whelan having been sacked by the West Lothian outfit after the defeat to the Warriors.

"Delighted to get the goal, it was a special one,” Shinnie admitted. "I've got so much respect for Livingston, it is a club I know well. And I know so many of the players and staff from being with them last season.

"I was coaching here at Livingston. A few thing happened, and because of it, I moved on which was fine. I just took it on the chin.

"But I am delighted for my club Stenhousemuir, and for the gaffer (Marvin Bartley) and Neilly (Neil Hastings). They set us up really well and we defended hard at times.”