Ian Roache kicks off the build-up to Saturday’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup final.

DUNFERMLINE STRIKER Jim McIntyre is determined to make their European qualification deserved—by lifting the Tennent’s Scottish Cup on Saturday.

McIntyre holds the view that the fourth UEFA Cup spot should go to the winners of the trophy or the fourth-placed SPL side, which would be Hearts.

Should the relegated Pars lose to Celtic at Hampden, though, they will still be playing in continental competition next season as a division one outfit, while the Jam Tarts miss out.

So the best-case scenario for McIntyre is for the Fifers to be going into the Euro draw as cup holders after beating the Bhoys.

“We do not make up the rules so if there is a UEFA place up for grabs then we will gladly take it,” he said.

“Personally, though, I think if a team wins the cup then great, they deserve to be in Europe.

“Otherwise, I would give it to the fourth-placed Premierleague side because they have achieved that status over the whole season.

“However, even if we don’t win on Saturday we won’t have to justify our place to anybody because the rules are set beforehand and we would just be abiding by them.”

McIntyre’s name will be one of the first on manager Stephen Kenny’s team sheet for the big day and it is a tribute to the now veteran frontman that he is set to enhance his proud Scottish Cup reputation even further.

“I have done not too badly in this tournament over the years,” he reflected.

“I reached the final with Airdrie back in 1995, was a winner with Kilmarnock in 97, scored for Dundee United in their semi-final against Hibs before being suspended for that final two years ago and, of course, got the winner for Dunfermline in this year’s semi.

“I feel very lucky as a non-Old Firm player to have been so much involved in this cup.

“For someone at a so-called smaller club it means everything. Your family gets excited for you and there are always plenty of well-wishers.

“When Killie won, I remember going back to the town from Ibrox and the scenes were unbelievable and I am sure it would be a similar story in Dunfermline if we could do it.

“I thought when I was at United’s final against Celtic two years ago, watching from the stand, that it would be my last chance,” he continued.

“That was 10 years since I had won with Killie and because of my age (he turns 35 on Thursday) I did think that I would not see another final.

“Now, maybe, I will play in one again after all.

“It’s a fantastic feeling and I will savour every moment.

“Better players than me have not enjoyed what I have enjoyed in this tournament.

“One thing I can assure you of, though, is that I realise how fortunate I am.”

McIntyre believes the cloud of relegation that has engulfed East End Park since they took the drop 10 days ago is beginning to lift.

“Last week was a hard week and it takes a wee while to get over something like that—you can’t just brush it off,” he admitted.

“However, it has maybe been better that it happened the previous weekend rather than the one just past. That has given us more time.

“Now we are beginning to enjoy the build-up and everything that being in a cup final brings.

“The occasion will take care of itself.

“It will be difficult for us to beat Celtic, obviously, because they are the champions and the best team in Scotland,” he conceded.

“Nevertheless, we have shown that on our day we can be a formidable side ourselves.

“We have seen off Hearts, Rangers and Hibs in this competition so we can take a lot of confidence from that.”

McIntyre played down any suggestion that, while the Pars have had their own considerable troubles, Celtic have not exactly been firing on all cylinders themselves, stumbling rather than racing over the SPL finishing line.

“They had done the business in the league a long time ago, and all credit to them for that,” said McIntyre.

“They have so many good players who know how to win the big games that it is not an issue.”

Perhaps so, but the Pars could just have a secret weapon in the form of manager Stephen Kenny’s pre-match team talk.

“I don’t think I could second-guess what the gaffer is going to say to us,” continued McIntyre.

“He is a unique man and because of that he could spring a surprise.”

Given Dunfermline’s well- documented selection problems, there was good news regarding Darren Young from the player himself.

The midfielder hurt his knee during Saturday’s home defeat by Falkirk and Kenny raised a doubt over his availability.

However, Young, who missed last year’s CIS final against the Hoops with a broken foot, said, “I tweaked my knee but think I should be all right.

“After the game it was pretty sore but I admit I was worried and panicky for a wee while.

“Having missed the other final through injury I was concerned but it feels fine now and I am confident of making it.”