The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
El Alagui hopes to send pal McGinn home empty-handed
Dunfermline striker Farid El Alagui admits former Hibs team-mate John McGinn was the first to congratulate him when he got off the mark for the Pars.
But the French-Moroccan insists he would love to send the Scotland midfielder and his old club back across the Forth empty-handed following this afternoon’s clash at East End Park.
El Alagui was restricted to only 21 appearances during two injury-plagued seasons at Easter Road before being freed by new head coach Neil Lennon during the summer.
But during his time at Hibs, El Alagui struck up lasting friendships with the likes of playmaker McGinn.
The towering marksman, however, insists he would have no qualms about upsetting his friends today.
He said: “It’s always a special game to go up against a former club and it will be an interesting one.
“I know a lot of the people there but we will need to stay focused to try and get something out of it because we need to pick up points and learn from the previous mistakes.
“I’m still in touch with the boys at Hibs. I will have to give a special mention to John McGinn because he is a great guy.
“He is a great footballer but he is also a good man, he is really down to earth.
“He’s always nice. When I scored my first goal against St Mirren last month he text me after the game to congratulate me.”
El Alagui notched his fourth goal in four games in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Falkirk after being handed his first start by manager Allan Johnston.
While content with his contribution in attack, the 31-year-old is hoping to be handed more game time.
He added: “I’m pleased so far with what I’m doing but I want to be more involved. It’s always good to score but I want to pick up points and win games.
“It’s not the same feeling when you score but the team doesn’t win. Hopefully we can do that on Saturday.
“Going forward we’re looking quite good but defensively we’re giving away too many goals. As a team we have to be better, more compact and harder to beat because at times it’s too easy for the opposition.”
The Pars remain third bottom in the Championship just a point clear of ninth-placed Dumbarton and El Alagui concedes they face a stern test against leaders Hibs.
He added: “When you look at the opposition team you try to find their weaknesses but when you look at Hibs, there are not many weaknesses.
“They have great players in every area and are strong. You have to be at your best and we’ll try to do that.
“Hibs always bring a good away crowd, it’s a short trip for them and our fans here will enjoy this game as well.
“It will be a great crowd and we have to make sure we don’t disappoint them and show we are a good team.”