Former Wales midfielder Owain Tudur Jones believes The New Saints have what it takes to go on and win the IRN-BRU Cup.
So far this season, the reigning Welsh champions have broken a 44-year world record held by Ajax for the most consecutive wins after winning 27 games in a row. And having won the Nathaniel MG League Cup last month, the Saints remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.
After being entered into the IRN-BRU Cup alongside fellow Welsh side Bala Town and Northern Irish Premiership clubs Crusaders and Linfield earlier this season, the Saints are the only non-Scottish club in the semi-finals.
TNS, who suffered their first defeat of the season against Carmarthen on Saturday, travel to Paisley to face Ladbrokes Championship side St Mirren on Sunday in a match which will be live on S4C's Sgorio with English commentary available. Former Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibernian and Falkirk player Owain Tudur Jones is part of the Sgorio team for the match.
Tudur Jones, who won seven Wales caps during his career but has now retired from football due to injury, said: “The New Saints stand head and shoulders above everyone else in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League. This season the gap is huge. We have to appreciate the run they've been on, they've made history but if it happened every year, it would get tedious.
The Saints' trip north of the border will be their third of the season so far, after they earned a 3-1 win over League 2 frontrunners Forfar Athletic and an eye-catching 3-0 quarter final victory at the home of League 1 leaders Livingston. The winner of the semi-final will line up against either Queen of the South or Dundee United in the final on March 25/26.
"By beating Livingston, they've shown that they're comfortable against teams at this level," added Tudur Jones. “I think the Scottish clubs know now that they must respect The New Saints. There's no doubt that TNS can beat a St Mirren side that's endued a tough league season and go on to win the competition.”
Sgorio: St Mirren v Y Seintiau Newydd
Sunday 19 February 3.45, S4C (ko 4.10pm)
English subtitles available
English sound-track available via the red button on Sky, Freeview or Virgin Media. Freesat viewers should use the audio selection option.
Available to watch on-demand at s4c.cymru, iPlayer and other platforms
A Rondo Media production for S4C
S4C is available on: Sky 104, Freeview 4, Virgin TV 166 and Freesat 104 in Wales
Sky 134, Freesat 120 and Virgin TV 166 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
S4C HD is available for Sky and Freesat viewers in Wales and across the UK.
Live online and on demand on s4c.cymru and by using the S4C app for iOS and Android.
