ALMOST 27 years have passed since Mickey Weir helped plunge a dagger into Dunfermline hearts in a Hampden cup final.

In October 1991, he took his place in the Hibernian side for the showpiece match in the League Cup and, after winning a penalty early in the second half, his side went on to win 2-0 and collect the trophy.

While the 52-year-old and his team-mates wrote themselves into Easter Road folklore, he denied the Pars the chance to lift the trophy for the first time – and their first major honour since the Scottish Cup of 1968.

That wait continues for Athletic's faithful followers but, while he may have been cursed on Halbeath Road following that game, Weir revealed that he came close to pitching up at East End – and his hope of seeing the club return to the top flight.

Tomorrow (Friday), Weir will join ex-pros such as Frank McAvennie, John MacDonald and Paul Smith for a 'legends soccer sixes' tournament at Pitreavie, where teams representing the Pars, Raith Rovers, Hearts, Hibs, Celtic and Rangers will go head-to-head to raise cash for mental health awareness through 'Speak Up Through Sports'.

As well as looking ahead to catching up with some former opponents for a good cause, the boyhood Hibee took a trip down memory lane with Press Sport and said: "I actually had the chance to come here when I left Hibs.

"I trained for two or three days when Bert Paton and Dick Campbell were here, the running was too hard, so I said it's not for me!

"I was 32 then and Dunfermline had a good side, with players like Andy Tod and Andy Smith. I trained with a few clubs but I ended up going to Motherwell.

"The Pars were a big club. I can remember when we played them at Easter Road and they'd bring five or six thousand fans, and one of my heroes, Alex Edwards, played for them, so I've always had a wee soft spot.

"I hope they can get it going again."

Weir still remains involved with the game, helping out at junior club Bathgate Thistle, and has worked with the Helping Hands Edinburgh charity to deliver free coaching sessions for kids across the capital.

A number of high-profile figures in the game have spoken about their battles with mental health and Weir added: "A lot of footballers struggle and, back in my day, people were maybe not as willing to open up about it.

"They're brave people."

The event, organised by Five Star Football Events, will also result in one lucky West Fife football team winning a new set of strips, and the chance for an ex-player to conduct a training session.

Matches will be played over 10 minutes on the astroturf pitches in a round-robin format, and cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm and, for more information, or to take part, call 07543133696 or 0141 266 0137.