BAIRNS WILL BE AT THEIR BEST - HUGHES

Hughes - taking no chances.

Falkirk manager John Hughes insists there is no chance his players will under-estimate Co-operative Insurance Cup opponents Queen of the South.

The Bairns go into Tuesday's third-round match having slipped to the bottom of the SPL at the weekend, despite having achieved a 1-1 draw away to St Mirren.

Hughes' men have suffered a trying start to the campaign, faced with a string of injuries, a difficult fixture list and some indifferent form.

Having finally eased their way to a first league victory against Hearts nine days ago, Hughes is confident fortunes are on the up at Falkirk.

However, he is wary of the visit of a First Division side he has the utmost respect for.

Hughes said: "We've picked up over the last couple of weeks. I was a little bit disappointed we didn't pass the ball very well on Saturday.

"But if we can get back to that and show some of the form we showed early in the season we'll be okay.

"Queen of the South are a right good side, we've had them watched four times and we know they're a good team. I also like (Queens manager) Gordon Chisholm, I've got a lot of respect for him.

"There's a potential banana skin there but I've told the players they're a hard-working side who play some good football and we're going to have to be at our best.

"They've got experience and good youth, as well as one or two players that will want to prove the point that they're still good enough to play in the SPL.

"They'll not be underestimated in any shape or form. They deserve all the respect."

Hughes has been frustrated by his new-look side's inability to hit the heights he knows they are capable of after some impressive displays during pre-season.

With the likes of Jackie McNamara, Neil McCann, Lee Bullen and Burton O'Brien adding experience to the Bairns, Hughes now wants his players to prove they have the ability to match his ambitions.

He added: "It has to come from the players, they have to know what standards we're trying to set at the club, and then go and do it.

"There's no point having stage fright when the curtain goes up. You have to go and express yourself and take responsibility."