RUGBY PARK legend Ray Montgomerie today tipped the current crop of Kilmarnock stars to shock CIS Insurance Cup favourites Hibs ...

Because he senses the same team spirit in Jim Jefferies' squad as the one that carried Killie to a historic Scottish Cup success in 1997.

Montgomerie is still actively involved with Killie and has seen at close quarters the wonders worked by current manager Jefferies.

Former Hearts and Bradford City boss Jim has over-achieved with the debt-ridden Ayrshire club in the league and in cup competitions.

And Montgomerie, the last Kilmarnock captain to lift silverware, thinks the team's togetherness can help them triumph at Hampden on Sunday.

He said: "Reaching the CIS Cup Final is a great achievement by Jim given the financial restrictions he has had to work under in recent seasons.

"Jim has a great knack at recognising a good player who he can afford within his limited budget. His signings have been brilliant.

"But his greatest strength is galvanising a group of players. Getting guys to play for you is half the battle when you are a manager.

"The key factor in our Scottish Cup success in 1997 was the tremendous camaraderie we had within the squad. We would all fight for each other.

"I can see similarities between that Kilmarnock team and this team and think they have a great chance of upsetting the odds and winning the cup."

Most pundits are expecting John Collins' hugely talented team to land their first trophy since their League Cup success back in 1991.

But Montgomerie, who will be at the game along with other members of the 1997 team, reckons Killie can triumph if they get their tactics right.

Ray explained: "I was at Kilmarnock's game against Hibs earlier this season and they gave us an absolute doing in the first half.

"We were 1-0 down at half-time, but should have been three or four down.

"But we scored very early on in the second-half and they just collapsed.

"The same thing happened to them in the CIS Cup semi-final when St Johnstone scored.

"I think if Kilmarnock can score an early goal and get right in their faces then they can ruffle what is still a very young team. They are there to be beaten.

"I think the experience Jim and his assistant Billy Brown have will be invaluable as well. They have been to many cup finals and semis.

"John Collins, as I know he will admit himself, might have done everything as a player, but he hasn't got any experience as a manager."

Monty added: "I'm really looking forward to it. Cup finals are few and far between for Kilmarnock and you need to make the most of them when they come along.

"All the members of the Scottish Cup-winning team of 1997 have been invited to the cup final by the club. I am looking forward to seeing them again."

But Montgomerie has warned Killie fans not to expect too much from the player who got them to Hampden - Scottish Young Player of the Year Steven Naismith.

Naismith, who enjoyed a trial at Arsenal earlier this season, banged in a dream hat-trick against Falkirk in the semi-final clash.

But Ray said: "I think after that performances all the Kilmarnock supporters expect him to hit those heights in every game.

"But they have to remember that he is still a young player and that is simply impossible. Of course, if he hits top form he can help us win."