It contained no provision for whether or not he could be involved when the teams faced up, but it came as no surprise to player-boss Craig Brewster today when his plan to use Mulgrew on Saturday got the thumbs down from opposite number Gordon Strachan. In a phone call this morning, the Celtic manager made it clear he did not think the 19-year-old should have to face his usual team-mates.

“Charlie is disappointed because I think he wanted to play. But I’m not surprised he’s not getting to because it’s pretty much the norm that when players are out on loan they do not play against their club,” said Craig today.

While understanding the Celtic view, it is a decision that does not make Craig’s job this week any easier.

Experienced defender Paul Ritchie looks likely to miss out again through injury and that leaves United with a lack of left-sided options for their rearguard.

So much so, that this afternoon’s reserve game against Hearts at Station Park, Forfar, became a testing ground for youngsters who might be asked to fill in at left-back for the first team on Saturday.

“We are looking at William Easton in one half and Greg Burnett in the other and, if they show up well, they could come into the thoughts.

“We do at least have Barry Robson back from suspension and Jim McIntyre is left sided as well, but they both play further up the park,” added Craig.

Ritchie’s fitness problems mean the most obvious candidate, Alan Archibald, is likely to be needed in central defence again and his situation has been further complicated by a bout of flu. He missed training again today, although it is hoped he will be able to do some work tomorrow.

The operation itself is a fairly routine procedure, but the 21-year-old will not be ready to resume training before the start of pre-season work in the summer and faces a lifetime of exercises to keep his back strong.

Also at hospital last night was injured goalkeeper Derek Soutar, who has been experiencing some discomfort with the knee on which he had surgery a couple of months ago.

“Right now, I’ve still no news from the medical people, but it is something I am chasing up and I should have a better idea about how things have gone before the day is out,” said Alan.

“Obviously, with Stephen it is a long-term thing and he will not be in the plans until next season, but we are hopeful that there is nothing seriously wrong with ‘Soapy’ and he’s back before too long.”

Having declined the offer of a closed-door friendly last night because it would have meant some of the Under-19 team having to play twice in little over 24 hours, there is no game this week to keep fringe players ticking over.

That, though, does not mean they will have things easy and the squad had a tough day at work today.

“Because we don’t have a game until Saturday, I decided to give the boys a double session and they’ve been working hard. That won’t have done them any harm,” added the manager.

Joining in again was long-term absentee Lee Wilkie. He has even been able to resume ball work, but, having been out since April with serious knee trouble, is still some way away from a return to competitive action.

The McDiarmid outfit are also hopeful of adding other players to their squad during the current transfer window, but additions aren’t likely today.

The Perth side face Bell’s First Division league leaders St Mirren at home on February 11 and there’s renewed optimism among Saints fans as to their team’s chances of winning the league, thanks to their wins on the road against Clyde and Stranraer.

But player-team boss Owen Coyle, who reports no fresh injury concerns, is “concentrating only on Saturday’s home fixture against Brechin.”

Tayport boss Keith Burgess was first to admit, Arthurlie weren’t the team he would have chosen to face in the last 16.

He said, “Although we beat Renfrew, who are top of the West Super League, in the last round, I would say that Arthurlie are probably the best team through there at the moment.

“It’s certainly not the tie I would have selected, but I’m sure they’ll be saying the same thing about us and we’ll go there with confidence.”

Lochee United boss Ray McKinnon was equally upbeat about his side’s chances against Bathgate, who recently outlined their ambitions, and spending power, by signing former Dundee striker Eddie Annand.

“It’s a home draw, so we have to be pleased about that. Bathgate are a good side, but, hopefully, we’ll have a big crowd behind us on the day and that can help us through,” said Ray.

Following their stunning win at Glenafton in the last round, Fife shock troops Kirkcaldy YM have been rewarded with a home tie against Petershill, while the Kingdom’s other remaining representatives St Andrews and Glenrothes face difficult trips to Ayrshire to meet Beith and Irvine Meadow respectively.

Bo’ness’ home draw against Neilston offers boss Dave Baikie, winner of the trophy twice with Tayport, the opportunity of yet another last-eight appearance.

Full draw: Clydebank v. Bonnyrigg, Kirkcaldy YM v. Petershill, Lochee United v. Bathgate, Irvine Meadow v. Glenrothes, Arthurlie v. Tayport, Fauldhouse v. Auchinleck, Beith v. St Andrews, Bo’ness v. Neilston. Ties on Feb. 11.

East Super League outfit Carnoustie have signed former Montrose goalkeeper Jim Butter until the end of the season. The 39-year-old has put pen to paper after featuring as a trialist for the Gowfers in their last two matches. Butter’s arrival at Laing Park eases a minor keeper crisis after Michael Whyte fractured an ankle. The only other goalie on the club’s books is Glasgow-based Tony Mitchell.