Cup specialist Paul �Sheerin has enjoyed recounting famous tales of triumphs down the years and believes the pressure is off St Johnstone to achieve another against �Scottish Cup holders Rangers in tonight�s fourth-round tie at McDiarmid Park.

Cup specialist Paul Sheerin has enjoyed recounting famous tales of triumphs down the years and believes the pressure is off St Johnstone to achieve another against Scottish Cup holders Rangers in tonight's fourth-round tie at McDiarmid Park.

The 34-year-old midfielder has developed a useful habit of helping past and present clubs upset loftier opposition in cup competitions during his long career.

Being part of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle side that "went ballistic" to knock out Celtic in the 2000 Scottish Cup, thereby costing John Barnes his job, is an obvious highlight, but others stand out, too.

Sheerin was involved in further cup surprises with Ayr United in 2002, losing the League Cup final to Rangers before returning to Hampden six days later to be beaten by Celtic in a Scottish Cup semi-final.

The player's four-and-a-half-year stay at McDiarmid Park has not been without notable highs either, even if the club have consistently failed in their bid to return to the Premier League since being relegated in 2002.

Sheerin has helped defeat SPL teams Dundee United, Rangers, Falkirk, Motherwell and St Mirren to book a trio of semi-final appearances for Saints in the last two seasons.

While all three matches ended in narrow defeats - to Hibs in the League Cup and Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Cup - the Perth side have certainly illustrated their capabilities in one-off ties.

Now with the pressure off the in-form first division leaders, Sheerin hopes a relaxed attitude can provide the key to another famous scalp against Walter Smith's men.

Sheerin, who was part of the side that lost to Rangers on penalties at the semi-final stage of the same competition last April, said: "It's a massive game and the home draw adds up to a wee chance for us.

"We're classed as underdogs, obviously, but I think that helps you sometimes. You can go and relax and you've really got nothing to lose.

"In the league at the moment, we've got to keep trying to win matches and have to break teams down.

"We're not expected to win this one and it would be a huge upset if we did. It takes a bit of pressure off us and, hopefully, puts a little bit on them.

The postponement of their last league game, at Ross County, means Saints will not have played for 17 days, but Sheerin does not see that as a disadvantage, admitting he is more concerned about whether or not Kris Boyd plays.

The Edinburgh-born player, who coaches the club's Under-17 side, added: "I think it's good to play games, to keep the momentum of our 14-game unbeaten run going. But, on the other hand, the break has kept us fresher and we are desperate to get back playing.

"I still get the same buzz for these nights. To play the Old Firm is a good test for anybody involved in football. We want these big games week-in, week-out next season."