ANDY GEGGAN needs no reminder of what the fierce Falkirk rivalry means to Pars fans but says his team-mates have extra motivation to take three points on Boxing Day.

While bragging rights and three points against their bitter rivals would provide a merry Christmas for the club’s supporters, the midfielder said that the Athletic squad are even more determined to claim victory in honour of Margaret Ross.

Geggan, who returned to the bench during Saturday’s draw at Queen of the South after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four weeks, spoke of the shock and sadness felt by the dressing room following the sudden passing of club director Margaret last week.

The 29-year-old was at the heart of Dunfermline’s darkest hour when they plunged into administration in 2013 and recalled how Margaret played a significant role in helping the players who avoided the axe as the club’s future hung in the balance.

Speaking to Press Sport this week, he recalled: “It is so sad; we were in the car when somebody told me, and everyone was like, what? I saw her last week and she was her usual self; there’s not much you can really say.

“I will always be thankful and grateful for what she did for me. She was great during the administration period and was the one who picked up the pieces at that time. It was good to have known her. The boys know how big a game this is and we want to win it for Margaret. Games against the likes of Falkirk and Raith Rovers, as I’ve said before, are for the fans and Margaret was a massive fan, so that will make it a wee bit more special.

“We will have her in mind and we want to put on a good performance, get the three points and another win on the board.”

Since signing for the Pars in 2012, Geggan has featured in five confrontations with the Bairns, but has yet to savour a victory – his best result coming in a comeback 2-2 draw back in his first season under Jim Jefferies at the Falkirk Stadium.

That record has not diluted his enthusiasm to make his first appearance since the Irn-Bru Cup defeat to Dundee United last month and he continued: “I am itching to go and, because they’re big rivals, I’m even more itchy to get back playing! I’ll just have to work even harder in training but I’ve not had any reactions and I’m feeling sharp.

“These are the games that you want to play when you come to Dunfermline. There will be a big crowd and the Falkirk team will be up for it as well so I’m glad to be back. It was frustrating not to get to play on Saturday but I thought in the second half we were miles better and that we could’ve won the game. We need to continue that type of performance, keep confident and I’m sure we’ll start to pick up more wins.”