HIGHLAND League ace Danny Macdonald is a vital member of the RAF

Strike Force, but the 23-year-old from Inverness will not be seen behind

the controls of a fighter jet. Danny plays up front for the RAF's

national team and in midfield for Scottish Cup rabbits Caledonian.

However, he had a dilemma last weekend after his team had drawn 2-2

with first-division Airdrie in the third round of the Scottish Cup at

Broomfield.

The replay was scheduled for tonight, the same evening as he was due

to play in a warm-up match for an inter-forces tournament in March. But

the RAF came to Caley's rescue when they gave the youngster permission

to play in the cup-tie and Danny is both relieved and delighted.

He said yesterday: ''I am glad I didn't have to make the decision. I

love my football and don't want to let anyone down. But the RAF realised

how important it was to me and to Caley to have me available for the

replay, and my commanding officer has been invited to be Caley's special

guest at the match.''

The Highland League side came within seconds of causing a major upset

at Broomfield when only a late, late strike by Alan Lawrence saved

Airdrie blushes and gave them a second chance. But the men from

Inverness are quietly confident they can go one better at their own

Telford Street Park. Their sights are set on emulating northern rivals

Elgin City, who reached the quarter-finals some years ago.

The winners of tonight's tie will visit either East Stirlingshire or

Stirling Albion -- they also meet tonight, their tie having been

postponed last Saturday -- and the Caley thinking is that if they can

beat Airdrie, then the fourth round should hold no fears for them.

Caley, however, may have lost their chance, for the first-division

side, who have high hopes also of promotion, are still smarting from the

verbal blast they received from manager Jimmy Bone at the weekend. He is

almost certain to make changes tonight -- Evan Balfour definitely will

return -- and this time he is determined there will be no complacency.

Premier-division Dunfermline, having struggled to a no-scoring draw

last Saturday, face the dangerous trip to Hamilton for their replay, but

manager Jim Leishman promises an entirely different affair tonight.

''My players were very disappointed by their display in the first

match,'' he said. ''There was something missing -- even the atmosphere

was wrong, but I'm confident they will give the fans a real cup-tie this

time.'' Leishman makes only one addition to his squad by including

defender Graeme Robertson.

Ayr United could spring a surprise against St Mirren at Love Street,

for standing by is 38-year-old former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough. He

is ready to play if injured David Purdie has not recovered in time.

Saints again will be without suspended Brian Martin and joining him on

the sidelines will be David Winnie, who was sent off in the first match.

Teenager Kevin McGowne will be included in St Mirren's 13.

Raith Rovers and Morton will battle it out at Stark's Park for the

reward of a trip to Aberdeen. Morton, hit by injury and suspensions,

include two 17-year-olds, Barry Strain and Gerry Kelly, in their squad.

In tonight's other replay first-division Alloa are hosts to

second-division Queen of the South.