ATHLETIC'S stars of tomorrow will be in action this evening at KDM Group East End Park as they aim to continue on the road to Hampden.

The club's under-18 side return to SFA Youth Cup action when they take on Heart of Midlothian, with a place in the fifth round of the competition at stake.

Coached by Greg Shields, who heads the football side of the Pars academy, the team reached round four thanks to a victory over St Mirren.

A Dunfermline side featuring four 2006 age group players, five 2007s and two 2008s played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Buddies, with Daniel Bell and Freddie Rowe twice putting them ahead.

The tie went straight to a penalty shoot-out, which the Pars won 4-2, setting up a tie with the Jam Tarts, who are three-time Youth Cup winners.

Their last success came in 2000 and, in 2022, were beaten in the final by Rangers.

Dunfermline have twice appeared in the final, with their first, in 1987-88, resulting in a 2-1 victory over Dundee.

In 2013, they played Celtic in the showpiece at the National Stadium, but went down to a 3-1 defeat.

Kick off for tonight's match is at 7pm, with entry, from 6pm, via a donation through Legends Bar, which will also be open.

Hot and cold drinks and snacks will also be available to purchase ahead of kick off and at half-time.