Dunfermline’s Faissal El Bakhtaoui admits he would relish the challenge of playing against Rangers or Celtic in the League Cup.
The Pars booked their place in today’s third-round draw with a famous 3-1 win over Dundee at East End Park on Tuesday night.
El Bakhtaoui was Dunfermline’s star man, netting two of their goals to take his tally for the season so far to an incredible 11.
Now, he admits that with the Pars having proved themselves capable of taking a Premiership scalp, they fear no-one.
The 22-year-old said: “I would like to play a bigger team. We have shown we can beat a Premiership team so anything can happen. There was not a big gap between us and Dundee so it gives us confidence no matter who we get in the draw.
“I personally would love to face Celtic or Rangers in the next round. That would be great. It would be a big test against Rangers or Celtic but we could give them a tough time here at East End Park. We should not fear anyone after playing like that against Dundee.
“I think Dunfermline is a team and a club going places. We have been good this season and I think we will be going up to the Championship at the end of the season.”
El Bakhtaoui’s technical ability was honed in France playing five-a-side futsal.
However, he admitted that it has taken him a while to fully adapt to the physical nature of the Scottish game.
He added: “I am very happy. It was a good game against Dundee from myself and from the whole team. I scored two goals and it was a great night and we look forward to the next round.
“I may even use a few of my old futsal skills. I like to use them when I can in games so maybe I will do a few in the next round.
“I was playing futsal over in France when one of my friends came to see me. He was a contact of (former Pars boss) Jim Jefferies and he said I should go over to Scotland and have a trial.
“I went over for a week and I didn’t speak much English but I played in pre-season friendlies against Berwick and Lochgelly and at the end of the week, I got offered a contract.
“It’s a big difference to futsal, of course. It’s a big pitch, a big ball and there are big defenders. It took me two and a half years to get used to playing on a big pitch.
“I remember my debut against Lochgelly and finding it difficult but after that I was OK and I feel I am improving week by week. It’s all good now. I love it here in Scotland.”
El Bakhtaoui’s electric start to the season has brought him to the attention of other clubs but he insists he is fully focused on playing for the Pars.
He added: “I will just keep concentrating on my football here at Dunfermline. I am happy here and who knows what the future holds?”