Dunfermline's McIntyre says the heat is on for Aberdeen

Published on Tuesday 17 March 2009 09:17

DUNFERMLINE manager Jim McIntyre insists all the pressure lies with Scottish Premier League opponents Aberdeen in tomorrow night's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay between the sides.

The Pars earned another bite at causing an upset and earning a semi-final berth when they snatched a 1-1 draw in the first tie earlier this month.

Nick Phinn's late equaliser cancelled out Sone Aluko's earlier opener and ensured the teams would need another meeting to decide who will face Falkirk in the competition's penultimate stage at Hampden next month.

And McIntyre is confident his team can again be the equal of their more esteemed hosts if they play to their capabilities.

He believes their Co-operative Insurance Cup win over St Mirren and narrow defeat away by Dundee United earlier in the season showed they have what it takes to live with SPL opponents. He said: "I think the pressure is on Aberdeen. They're the Premier League team, they're the home side and they're expected to win. But we've shown we're more than a match if we can play at the top of our game.

"We've acquitted ourselves quite well against Premier League opposition three times this season. I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves."