O'Brien desperate to reach final, even if he can't play

Published on Tuesday 17 April 2007 02:23

ON-LOAN Dunfermline winger Jim O'Brien is desperate to see off Hibs at the second time of asking in next Tuesday's semi-final replay but fears he won't be allowed to face employers Celtic should they reach next month's Scottish Cup final.

The 19-year-old was hugely impressive in Sunday's 0-0 draw and was denied the breakthrough goal in the first half when Easter Road keeper Andrew McNeil pulled off a stunning stop from his close-range effort.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 cap will have a vital role to play in the coming weeks as the Pars battle against relegation and for the right to face Celtic in the final. They will go into the replay against Hibs buoyed by two shut outs against their Edinburgh rivals in the space of just eight days after defeating John Collins' men 1-0 in the league recently.

However, O'Brien is steeling himself for the heartbreak of missing out on the 26 May showdown at Hampden if the Fifers can emerge victorious at the national stadium next week.

He said: "It was a hard game, we expected it to be. Hibs haven't scored for 180 minutes [against us] so it's good from that point of view. Hibs are a good side, they are always going to put you under a bit of pressure. You have got to soak up as best you can and hit them on the break.

"As far as I know if we get through to the final I will be missing from it. I can only ask, I've played in every round and it would be disappointing but you have just got to deal with it.

"You have got to get to the final first, that's the most important thing, getting the club there. If we get to the next round then that's us in Europe."

Adam Hammill was also impressed with Hibs, but believes the Pars' solid defending can pave the way for a place in the final. "We defended really well and hopefully a week on Tuesday, if we play like that, we can get a result," said the winger, also on loan, from Liverpool.

"If we can put our chances away we've got a good chance."

The England youth international enjoyed his first taste of Hampden, and is looking forward to the replay.

He said: "Even not full, the atmosphere was great. The Dunfermline fans played their part really well, they were noisy throughout, they showed a lot of support and we're grateful for that.

"Hopefully if they come out in numbers again next Tuesday we will give them something to cheer about."