Neil Lennon believes his side’s rescheduled calendar has been “unfair” as his Dunfermline side aim to reach their first Scottish Cup Final since 2007 this weekend.

Speaking ahead of their tie with Falkirk, the manager reckons his side have been “punished” for international call-ups. Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Airdrieonians means The Pars have played four matches across the last fourteen days leading up to the semi-final.

“We’re getting punished for players getting picked for Scotland and for getting to the semi-final.”

“I’m really annoyed about how many games we’ve had to play leading into this game. It’s been really, I think, unfair.”

“The game on Tuesday could have been moved a couple of weeks down the line before the end of the season. So we’ve had to go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday into this game.”

“People might have been complaining about the integrity of our team selection on Tuesday,” Lennon suggested. “Well, it’s not our fault. Our hands were forced into that – and we got the result anyway.

“But, if other clubs were upset about my team selection, they should take it up elsewhere. We did ask a couple of times if other games could be moved, and it was a big flat ‘no’.”

Lennon won the Scottish Cup four times as a Celtic player, and having picked off Hibernian and Aberdeen earlier in the competition, the Pars manager is no stranger to upsetting Premiership opposition.

We’ve played very well to get here, so we want to make the most of it.”

“I’ve told the players that nobody remembers the semi-finals, so let’s try and make that next step.

“It would just be another accomplishment for me. I’ve had a good career. I’ve faced up to a lot of challenges and overcome them. This would be up there with any of them – I’m really excited about it.”

Lennon praised his opposing manager, John McGlynn, and believes his success with Falkirk should put the Scottish Champions, Celtic, on notice in their search for a new manager.

“I think he should be in the conversation for the next Celtic manager as well.

“Whether that would appeal to John, I don’t know, and I don’t want to throw him under the bus. I apologise to the Falkirk people as well, but that’s how I rate John.

“I don’t think I’ve ever come up against him in a competitive game. He’s in the way on Saturday, so we’ll just have to go at it as best we can.

“I’ve got such admiration and respect for what he’s achieved, not just at Falkirk but throughout his career.”