Neil Lennon is relishing the chance to lead Dunfermline against Celtic and his former boss and mentor, Martin O'Neill.
O'Neill brought Lennon to Celtic from Leicester City and made him captain, a move that helped them enjoy significant success together.
Lennon later followed in O'Neill's footsteps, taking charge of the club before becoming Dunfermline boss.
The former Celtic manager watched as his old team defeated St Mirren to secure a cup final date on May 23.
Lennon admitted it would be a special occasion facing his old club and O'Neill.
He said: "We have had so many experiences, I played under him for ten years.
Read more
Martin O'Neill in Celtic confession after St Mirren win
Kelechi Iheanacho describes why Celtic win over St Mirren means 'whole lot'
"When he came back up I saw him in February and said it was 30 years since we first met, 1996 he signed me for Leicester.
"We have a brilliant relationship both personally and professionally, so it’s going to be an honour."
Lennon acknowledged he would always have loved to face Celtic but was aware of the challenge that awaits his side.
"Personally it would have been Celtic I wanted but professionally it would have been St Mirren," he said.
"It will be a privilege and honour to take Dunfermline to compete with Celtic.
"It’s something you can never envisage until it becomes a reality."
Despite the difficult challenge, Lennon conveyed his confidence in his players.
He warned that his side will thrive under the high-pressure environment and said: "It is huge and we won’t fear it. These boys have got big game mentality."
He continued: "A lot of them could step into the Premiership even though they are young because they have got talent.
"We have got a good balance in the team, good athleticism as well. We have recruited pretty well."
The match against Celtic provides a significant opportunity for Lennon's Dunfermline, with the chance to show their quality against formidable opponents.
"We have something palpable to look forward to now," he said.
Share