BYRNE WANTS THE PERFECT RESULT TO HONOUR NORRIE
DUNFERMLINE midfielder Shaun Byrne is in no doubt about what a Fife derby triumph would mean this afternoon as the club pays tribute to legendary skipper Norrie McCathie. Byrne is a born-and-bred Fifer and, having been attached to Dunfermline for seven years, he is fully aware of the magnitude of derby matches between the Kingdom’s clubs. Cowdenbeath are the visitors to East End Park this afternoon and the emotions are certain to be high, with the game being used to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragic passing of McCathie from carbon monoxide poisoning in January 1996. Dunfermline will wear a specially-commissioned strip to commemorate the occasion and other events are planned to pay homage to a fans’ favourite who played an incredible 576 times during almost 15 years at the club. And Byrne fully expects the supporters in the stand named in McCathie’s honour to play their part in ensuring the League One leaders pay their respects in the best way possible on the pitch — by taking all three points. ‘It is going to be a massive occasion and I think there will be a few extra fans at the game,’ he said. ‘We have had great support throughout this season. We can really look forward to the occasion and, hopefully, we can get the win for the fans and for Norrie. ‘You pick up various different things about Norrie all the time, but I feel we get that extra lift when we are playing towards the Norrie McCathie Stand end. ‘The fans behind the goal cheer you on right to the end and, when it is a really tight game, the noise and atmosphere they create can really push you on that wee bit extra to get a win. These fans can be a big factor in the game.’ McCathie actually began his career at Cowdenbeath before becoming known as ‘Mr Dunfermline’ and Byrne knows the intensity of a Fife derby will ensure it is a huge day all round. ‘It is going to be a big game on Saturday for both clubs,’ he added. ‘It is a derby and they are always the games you look forward to playing in and the ones you relish. ‘But that being said, it is just three points. We just want to keep our form going.’