Cup rules frustrate Pars' McManus

McManus (left) will not play at Hampden on Sunday

Dunfermline's Tam McManus is fuming at the Scottish Cup regulations that will see him denied a semi-final place against Hibs on Sunday.

The striker can't face his former side because he was included in a Falkirk squad earlier in the tournament.

"I'm sick at that," he told The Courier. "It's a disgraceful rule.

"I was on the bench for Falkirk and never got on so why should I be cup-tied? To miss out is gutting - I just hope the lads can go and win it."

The 26-year-old played a starring role at the weekend as Dunfermline dumped Hibs 1-0 at East End Park.

And McManus believes the Pars have a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

"It was a massive game for us," he continued.

"It looked like it was going to finish 0-0 but big Phil McGuire has popped up and grabbed a priceless winner for us.

"I've only been here for a couple of games but the passion is there and all the players are desperate to stay up."

Bottom of the table Dunfermline are four points behind St Mirren with five league games remaining.