BEING involved with his country has always been a thrill for Owain Fôn Williams but the Pars' play-off hopes are his focus ahead of caps.

The 34-year-old, who enjoyed a first shut-out in six games on Saturday as the Pars moved back into second in the Championship with victory over Morton, was left out of the Wales squad for two World Cup qualifiers and a friendly with Mexico this month.

Although he was in the pool for UEFA Nations League games with Ireland and Finland, and a friendly with the USA, in November, Wayne Hennessy, Danny Ward, Adam Davies and Tom King were the four keepers selected this time round.

Rather than feel disappointed, fiercely-proud Welshman Fôn Williams is grateful for the opportunities he’s had with his nation over the years, which included being at Euro 2016 when, memorably, they reached the semi-finals.

And, while he’ll never shut the door on international football, he said this week that he’s loving life in his player-coach role at East End – and is focused fully on ensuring Dunfermline are in the promotion play-offs at the season’s end.

“No, not at all, not one bit to be honest with you,” he said when asked if he was disappointed not to receive a Wales call.

“I was lucky enough to be in the last squad. I’ll be honest with you, I was more than happy with the time I’ve had with the Welsh boys for a number of years.

“The last time, it was just nice for me to go back and see some of the boys that I hadn’t seen in a number of years. There was only a handful of us left but it was really nice to touch base with those guys again.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be selected for that but, don’t get me wrong, if there was an opportunity for me to go and see the lads again and be involved, I’d love that. I’m not going to shy away from that whatsoever but I’ve always said my job is with the Pars.

“I’ve got it all here, which I’m enjoying, and that’s my number one job."

Dunfermline's play-off hopes suffered a blow on Saturday with the 1-0 loss to Inverness, a game which saw them drop from second to third, behind Raith Rovers, on goal difference.

A trip to Stark's Park next Tuesday, and to fourth top Dundee - who are also on 30 points with the Pars and Rovers, with Stevie Crawford's team having played a game fewer than both - this weekend could be pivotal in their bid to secure a top four slot.

Before that, however, they travel to Morton, who they defeated on March 13 at East End in the league, in the Scottish Cup.

The prize for the winners of tonight's second round tie is a trip to East Fife and, when asked if the chance of progressing in the tournament is an opportunity or a distraction from the main aim in the league, Fon Williams replied: "It's always an opportunity - you've got to look at it like that.

"As it had been postponed, and because of what went on last season, you maybe thought they'll scrap it or whatever. Naturally, you're going to think that because we're coming to the end of the season now, but the games have been rearranged and it's another game for us.

"It's an opportunity for us to go further in the cup now."

Crawford agreed, noting on the club's website: "There is no way you can write off a competition. I know the league is our main focus but the carrot at the end of the Morton tie is East Fife waiting in the next round.

That doesn’t give us a divine right to go down to Morton and think that you are going to progress. It is going to be a roll your sleeves up job. I don’t think the pitch is in great condition with what Morton stuff I have watched recently.

"After a defeat a number of things go through your head; it is not to have a knee jerk reaction. It is a competitive place to go to Cappielow and we have got to make sure that we match them in terms of our determination and effort. I think over the course of the season we have shown that side to us.

"We were maybe lacking a little bit at the weekend on that side of things but opportunities may arises that other players are given the opportunities. It brings a freshness to what we are looking to do to try and win a game of football.

"They will be in a better place having won at the weekend, they beat Queen of the South and it is a challenge that I am looking forward to and see what we are all about after Saturday’s defeat to Inverness."

Crawford, who said he would assess a "few knocks and bruises" picked up against Inverness, will definitely be without Vytas Gašpuitis, who has been called up for international duty.

The centre back is in the Lithuania squad for their World Cup qualifiers with Kosovo Switzerland and Italy.