Higginbotham relishing derby

Pars forward Kallum Higginbotham is relishing the prospect of today’s clash with Raith Rovers after confessing he never really understood the rivalry of his last ‘derby’ in Scottish football.

The 27-year-old first moved north of the border in 2010 and spent two years with Dunfermline’s fierce rivals Falkirk.

The summer signing said: “Saturday will be a fantastic occasion and I’m sure we’ll take a lot of fans through for the game.

“When I was at Falkirk we used to play Dunfermline and they call that a derby. It was always hostile.

“I never really quite understood why Falkirk against Dunfermline was classed as a derby,” he said.

“But this one you can see it’s a derby because the teams aren’t that far apart.

“I’m just looking forward to the occasion and hopefully we’ll come out with the three points we need.”

Higginbotham has settled in well to life at Dunfermline after being transferlisted by Kilmarnock at the end of last season and has shown glimpses of the kind of incisive attacking play that has already made him a fans’ favourite.

“I’m not sure the Dunfermline fans remember me from my time at Falkirk, but I feel as if I’ve hit the ground running here with my performances and hopefully they appreciate that,” he said. “This is a massive game. “It will be a fantastic atmosphere, and Raith are flying as well, so it’s got all the makings of a fantastic game.

“Hopefully, if we can go there and play the way we can, and don’t let the occasion get to us, then I’m sure we’ll come away with three points.”

Picture: Getty. Kallum Higginbotham, left: relishing derby.