Gary Locke doesn’t believe Kilmarnock’s ex-Rangers trio will need any additional motivation for their fifth round Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox.

Kris Boyd, Lee McCulloch and Steven Smith spent a total of 21 years with the Light Blues with Boyd breaking the Scottish Premier League goals record during his first spell while McCulloch won three top flight titles.

All three departed Govan in the summer following Rangers’ Premiership play-off loss to Motherwell with chairman Dave King stating the out of contract players had "failed miserably".

Forward Kenny Miller says the trio deserve a warm reception when they return to Glasgow and Killie boss Locke says there will be no distractions come kick off time.

Rejecting suggestions of any added significance, Locke said: “These boys have had great careers and are experienced players and they go into every game with the same attitude so even though it is Rangers it is just another game we’ll be trying to win if we can.

"For me we’ve got more important games before that where we have to make sure we pick up points in the league."

Boyd was on target for Rangers as they beat Killie 3-0 in last year’s fourth round and Locke, who watched on as Allan Johnston’s assistant, says his team are desperate to make up for that result this time around.

He said: "It’s a great draw for us going to Ibrox. It’s a fantastic arena when it is full and we’ll take a big support there as well so it has the makings of a great game.

"It [last year] was one of the most disappointing games last year.

"We went there and got beat 3-0 and never really turned up on the day so it is important we go with a different attitude this time and make sure we turn up. If we do that then we’ll give Rangers a game.

"You have to be strong mentally as you have to go and believe you can go and win. I’ve seen Rangers a few times this year and they’ve played some terrific stuff and are quite rightly at the top of the league as they’ve been the best team.

"It’s a game we’re looking forward to and we’ve picked up ourselves a little bit over the last couple of games."

Kilmarnock must offload players before shopping in January

Any January arrivals in Ayrshire will be dependent on players departing Rugby Park this month.

Locke would welcome any cash raised as part of their cup clash against Rangers but doesn't expect it to make a big impact on his winter transfer plans.