PLEA FROM THE HEART

RAITH ROVERS boss John McGlynn has his heart set on an emotional return to Tynecastle in the third round of the Scottish Cup - as long as his side beat Dumbarton at Stark's Park tomorrow.

The former Hearts coach, who took up his post in Kirkcaldy a fortnight ago, can't wait to take charge of his first game in the competition following 11 years working in the b ackground with the Gorgie club.

The respected McGlynn sampled Scottish Cup glory with the capital side last season as assistant to Valdas Ivanauskas with their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Gretna.

And, with the Rovers boss accepting there is little chance of his side getting to Hampden, he admits he will settle for a return to Tynecastle in a tie which would also boost the club's financial position.

He said: "Without a doubt it would be great to go back, it would be such a big draw for us. I would love to go back to Tynecastle if we can beat Dumbarton. It would be great to take Raith Rovers there and pit our wits against a top SPL club.

"A full house with nearly 18,000 there would be hugely beneficial in financial terms for us.

Taken from the Daily Record

"The Scottish Cup brings the glamour and it brings more finance. For example, we will get more cash for this weekend's match with Dumb arton than we would for a league game.

"We would also then have the prospect of getting one of the big clubs in the third round which everyone knows is going to bring a lot of money in.

"It could probably set us up for the next season or two. Any money could be used to enhance the stadium, for maintenance work or for new players.

"It could even maybe give us the option to go full time, the possibilities really are endless."

McGlynn cites May's Scottish Cup win as one of the happiest days in his career and insists surrendering the chance to defend the trophy with Hearts does not prey on his mind.

He added: "I am the type of person who is totally committed to whatever I am doing. When I was at Tynecastle I put all my effort into that. Now that I have left there, I'm committed to Raith, there are no mixed feelings."