McIntyre pays no heed to Cup rivals' league struggle

Published on Saturday 25 April 2009 10:10

DUNFERMLINE manager Jim McIntyre is taking no notice of Falkirk's lowly position ahead of their Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final, as he won the trophy despite being bottom of the table at the same stage.

McIntyre was a Kilmarnock striker when the Ayrshire club beat Falkirk in the 1997 final after avoiding relegation the previous weekend.

Falkirk find themselves four points adrift at the bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League before Sunday's Hampden clash against their fierce rivals.

But McIntyre feels they are in a false position, and knows the prospect of cup glory has the potential to lift any team.

"We were bottom of the league and we won it with Kilmarnock in 1997 and we stayed up on the last day of the season as well," the former Reading and Dundee United player said.

"I don't see that having any bearing whatsoever.

"They are a very good side, I have seen them against Rangers and at Celtic Park recently. They play the game the right way, they have a good blend of experienced players right throughout their team, and the youth.

"Scott Arfield is a player, I like him. They've got Neil McCann, Steven Pressely is suspended but they have the young boy (Darren) Barr, I like him too.

"In the middle of the park they have good footballers. Burton O'Brien is a good player. And Michael Higdon up front is a handful."

Falkirk boss John Hughes had to cope with calls for him to quit ahead of last weekend's 0-0 draw with Hearts.

The Bairns Supporters Trust wrote to the board urging them to sack former Falkirk skipper Hughes, who took them into the SPL.

But McIntyresaid: "I think tolerance levels are not what they once were.

"Years and years ago you used to get time but John Hughes has done a magnificent job at Falkirk.

"It shouldn't be underestimated the job he has done there."