Ross Jack thinks Dunfermline will edge out Highland League leaders Buckie Thistle in Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie at Victoria Park.
Turriff United manager Jack, who made 130 appearances for Dunfermline between 1987 and 1991, scoring 46 times, said: “I know that the Dunfermline supporters will come in their droves to support their club. They always have done, whether the game is at Buckie or on their doorstep.
“This tie has certainly captured the imagination and not just followers of the Highland League. It should be a typically exciting Scottish Cup match. It should be a great occasion for both sets of supporters.
“In terms of my personal goalscoring exploits, my time at East End Park was the highlight. I loved it there and the supporters were great to me.
“Dunfermline are trying to get back to where they want to be after being down in the doldrums for a few seasons.”
Jack, who at one time during his Dunfermline career was the SPL’s joint leading goalscorer alongside Rangers’ Ally McCoist, added: “Buckie will make it extremely hard for Dunfermline.
“The Jags have taken our league by storm this season and I think they will be very tough to beat on the day. It is a one-off cup tie and Buckie have nothing to lose.
“It will be a very interesting match-up and it is a really difficult one to call. The Pars will start as favourites to progress but it is a potential banana-skin and the Buckie supporters, who are always great, will also get right behind their team.
“Buckie have spent big this season and all three new recruits, Hamish Munro, Sam Urquhart and especially the Highland League’s top scorer, John McLeod, have all done very well since arriving at Victoria Park.
“The style of football Buckie are playing is extremely successful for them. It will be quite tight but I feel Dunfermline will just be a wee bit too strong for them and I will take the Pars to win 3-2.”