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Home form’s the key, says Dunfermline FC’s Andy Kirk

Dunfermline FC manager Jim McIntyre and new signing Andy Kirk (right).
Dunfermline FC manager Jim McIntyre and new signing Andy Kirk (right).

Pars striker Andy Kirk wants the team to improve their home form this season and throw off the inconsistencies that cost them last season.

The Northern Ireland international told Courier Sport that Dunfermline need to concentrate on making East End Park a difficult place for away teams to come to, starting against Morton.

Kirk (30), admitted the team had been left disappointed by Tuesday night’s defeat on penalties to Queen of the South in the Alba Challenge Cup second round, but feels they are ready to mount a strong league challenge this season.

“At the end of the day I think the league is the most important thing,” he said.

“Obviously we were disappointed on Tuesday, but we didn’t play our best. It went to penalties and it’s always a bit of a lottery then.

“We just have to pick ourselves up and look forward to the game against Morton.”

Former Hearts striker Kirk said he believed Dunfermline were due a good start after losing their first game the previous two seasons after “being the better team” in each one.

“We conceded late goals in both those games so it was good to get a start like last week at Falkirk,” he added.

“But we have to build on that as we’re at home and we need to make sure our home form is better than what it was last season.

“I think that’s what has let us down the last couple of seasons.Struggled”We’ve been really good away from home but at East End Park we’ve struggled to kill games off and that’s what we need to try and do this year.”

He continued, “It’s always a tough game against Morton they are a strong side who make it difficult for you.

“First and foremost we have to earn the right to play and being the home side we can take control of the game and get the result that we’re looking for.”

And Kirk who brought the Pars level on Tuesday night before the game went into extra-time is keen to add to his goals tally.

“I want to keep that going,” he commented.

“I believe that I can score in every game if I get the chances.

“As a centre-forward you have to think that way.

“I’m here to score goals so I have to get into positions that will give me a chance to do that.

“We’ve got a lot of good, attacking players here who have pace and can hurt teams.”

Striker Steve McDougall has a knock and may be doubtful for the game, but captain Austin McCann should return after injury.

Alex Keddie and Steve Bell are still suspended, and the midfielder admitted it has been frustrating battling an achilles injury on top of his suspension.

“I got an injection on Monday so I just need to wait and see how that works,” said Bell.

“I may get a run tomorrow before the game but it will just be a trot. I’ll see how it comes on for Monday and then take it from there.

“I’ve still to do a bit of work with the physiotherapist next week so am not quite back yet.

“It’s been very frustrating especially being suspended as well.

“I knew I was going to miss the first two games, but I need to keep my fitness up.”OpportunityBell feels the Pars missed a great opportunity to land a trophy by getting knocked out of the Alba Cup on Tuesday.

“It was a great chance to win something with both Falkirk and Dundee getting knocked out,” he added.

“Then it went to penalties and anything can happen.

“But everyone played to a top level against Falkirk, which you need to do, and everyone was proud of the way they played.

“We’ve only lost a couple of players in the summer.

“I think the fact that the main squad is still together bodes well for the future.

“There’s not been many changes at the club and everyone gets on really well. It will be a hard league, it always is, but we hope to do well.”

Meanwhile, Morton manager Allan Moore is looking forward to returning to East End Park.

“I was a Dunfermline player for four and a half years and have been back with Stirling Albion, but this feels a bit different,” he said.

“It feels more of an even challenge.

“Morton are a full-time club on a par with Dunfermline and we will go there with nothing to fear.”

The Greenock side will be missing defender David MacGregor, winger David O’Brien and front man Brian Graham through injury.