Dunfermline skipper Callum Morris knows a derby win over Falkirk this afternoon could also help keep his World Cup dream alive.
The former Dundee United and Aberdeen defender is desperate to lead the Pars to victory over their bitter rivals for the first time on enemy soil in six years.
After last weekend’s defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle, three points would help maintain the Fifers’ promotion push and could even put them top of the table.
But, as well as satisfying his own management, team-mates and supporters, Morris will be hoping to catch the eye of Falkirk – and Northern Ireland – number two Jimmy Nicholl with his defensive display.
The 27-year-old is on the fringes of the Northern Ireland squad and was a late call-up for last month’s closing qualifiers against Germany and Norway.
And he remains hopeful of being involved late again as Michael O’Neill’s side prepare for their two-legged play-off against Switzerland on Thursday and Sunday.
He said: “There’s always added bits and pieces to every game, but I’ll be waving and shouting at Jimmy the whole game, just to make sure I’m noticed. I’ll probably email him the highlights after the game as well!
“For me, it’s a bonus because it means there’s someone there in person to see me playing.
“If I play well and the rest of the team plays well and we get the win then you never know.
“It was a big bonus when the call-up came a month ago; I wasn’t really expecting it, to be honest.
“It’s a by-product of not only how I’ve been playing, but the whole team. It’s not just winning games but the way we’ve played and the manner of the wins.
“Hopefully we can get the win on Saturday and then I’ll be watching my phone come Sunday and Monday.
“If we get the win, I’ll be pleased and if I go away I’ll be even more pleased. It’s a big game on a few fronts.”
A victory over Inverness last weekend would have lifted Dunfermline to top spot again but a third defeat of the campaign left them three points adrift of St Mirren.
Morris accepts the Fifers were below par in the Highlands and knows they cannot be anything less then 100 per cent this afternoon if they are to get a first away derby win over Falkirk since 2011.
He added: “It was disappointing to lost to Inverness, but we’ve got another huge game this weekend, so we can put it right. Hopefully we put in a good performance.
“If you look at the table, we’re up near the top and they’re down the bottom, but that means nothing come kick-off.
“It’ll be about who has prepared right, who’s most up for it and who wants it more – and we’ve got to make sure that’s us.
“It’s another opportunity to get the bad record at Falkirk off our back. It would be great to go and get the three points and, more importantly, it would keep us up the top of the league and in the mix.”