JAMES MCPAKE has urged his players to work hard but enjoy this afternoon's match after admitting that he's envious of those who will take to the pitch.

Dunfermline take on Queen of the South at KDM Group East End Park in the knowledge that a victory will secure them the League One title, and an instant return to the Championship.

READ MORE: 'Now is our chance' says boss as Pars go for League One title

In the event that they don't defeat Marvin Bartley's in-form promotion play-off chasers, a failure by Falkirk to win against Airdrieonians will also see them crowned as champions.

Although he has a Scottish Cup final appearance to look back on during his playing career, McPake revealed that he never had the opportunity to play in a match where a title was up for grabs - and believes his players need to make the most of it.

"I've never played in a game where you could win a title. I've played in Scottish Cup games, Dave (Mackay, assistant manager) has won the Scottish Cup; there's players in that dressing room that have all played in big occasions," he said.

"I don't know how many have played on the day that you can win a title.

"That was Tuesday night as well. We knew what was at stake in that game; we had to get three points and see what happened.

"This weekend we know it's all in our hands. I'd much rather be in our position than anyone else in the league. You're 90 minutes away, everything's in your hands, and all it's down to is you need to perform, and need to score more goals than the opposition.

"It's a great time to play. It's probably the week that I'm watching training jealous that I'm not a player, and I'm at this side, because what a great game to play in."

When asked what he would say to his players before they run out in front of what is sure to be a large crowd, McPake replied: "Do your jobs, work hard, and make sure you enjoy it. That's it.

"They know what's at stake now. Like all the big games, the demand for tickets, the demand for people wanting to speak to them, wanting to come along, the crowd itself. They'll be in early I'm sure, they'll be there for kick off and, by that point, the place will be rocking. The players know that.

"The good thing is that, over the course season, is we've played in front of a big crowd on numerous occasions, home and away, so they're used to that.

"Maybe one thing I will say is remember where we all were at this point last season, or later on, when things weren't so good, because this game's got a real habit of kicking you.

"It might still happen to us. It might happen to us on Saturday, but the one thing about football is it soon knocks you down, so you've got to enjoy these moments, you've got to enjoy these weeks.

"It's far from done, we know that. There's still four games to play, but we've got to enjoy the good pressure that's carrying about us at the minute, from supporters, from family, and from within.

"Come three o'clock, it all goes out the window. We need to work as hard as we can, do our jobs, and, by doing that, I'm sure we'll enjoy it."

READ MORE: Fans can 'be the 12th man' in title push

The Pars boss, though, insists that his side must give Queens their full respect, with the Doonhamers the division's form team over their last six games, picking up 16 points from 18 available since losing to Athletic in February.

"We've got to respect everyone, and particularly them, because they are the team in the league, at the minute, that's top of form table, I think, in the last six, and they're fighting for the play-offs," McPake continued.

"It's going to be a really tough game, and the beauty again of being so far in front is there's another three after it as well.

"Queen of the South are coming in on good form. Marvin's done a great job since he got it, which I'm not surprised about. He's a very good coach, a really good person. I've got to know him, and I'm delighted that he is well, but I hope that changes on Saturday!

"We can't hide away from the fact of just how important this game could be. It's also one that could be, and I wouldn't disrespect another team by saying a banana skin, but any team coming here, they up their game.

"Queens came here and took a point off us earlier in the season. We've been good in the games down there, but they're on a good run of form.

"Like the Falkirk game, Peterhead, as soon as the kick off starts, there's only one thing on our mind, and that's performing well.

"It's happened more times than not this season. I think every time we've performed really well, we've taken a positive result, so that's what we're hopeful for on Saturday."

Expect a big crowd - spur the players on, give more incentive than ever?

"I think over the course of the season, any time, and it's been a lot, we've had a big backing, whether that be home or away, we've produced a decent performance. The Falkirk game was probably the only one, last weekend, where we weren't great in the game with a massive crowd behind us, but it showed real character. That's a credit to the fans and the players that, for 95 minutes, however long that game was, they stuck together, and we came away with a point.

"It's games like that you can sometimes be disappointed with, when you don't really perform to your levels, but I think you need to give other teams credit as well, particularly when they change the way they play against you to try and combat you to try and beat you.

"That's what happened last weekend. Apart from that, any time there has been a big occasion, a big crowd, our players have been excellent, and we're hoping for that on Saturday."

In-form striker Craig Wighton, who penned a new two-year contract with the club on Thursday, believes the Pars should "thrive" off the pressure of trying to claim the title.

READ MORE: Manager's delight as 'excellent' Pars star pens new deal

The 25-year-old, who took his tally for the season to 16 with his fourth goal in as many games during Tuesday's win at Peterhead, commented: "We should thrive off that.

"The other big game here, Falkirk, we certainly did that late on. They (the fans) helped us get over the line that day. Hopefully they can back us and we'll send them up the road happy.

"Queen of the South and Airdrie are probably two of the form teams in the league along with ourselves. It'll definitely be tough, it was a tough game down there. I think it might have been the last time they were beaten.

"It'll be a hard game, they have good players all over the pitch and a good squad. We'll be ready for that."

He added: "It seems like every week we've had a chance to win it or whatever. Falkirk have done their job the other night. It's good that it's in our hands. But it's a tough, so we'll be ready for that.

"We want to win it, go out there and us winning - especially at home, that will be good for the fans and everyone at the club. That is the aim but we obviously can't take them lightly."

Tickets remain on sale for today's game.

They can be bought from the ticket office and club shop; from the ticket kiosk at the corner of the Norrie McCathie and Main stands; and online, by clicking here.