THE manager of Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts is hopeful that they can challenge for more silverware in the future after guiding them to a first cup final.

Jason McCrindle says he's excited about progressing the team moving forward after agreeing a two-year contract extension with the club, which Press Sport reported last week.

The former Luncarty manager took charge of Swifts' senior side in November, following the departure of Jason Dair, and has led them to the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final against Dunbar United.

That match will take place at New Victoria Park, Newtongrange, on Sunday April 28, and McCrindle doesn't want their appearance in the showpiece to be a one-off.

Speaking to Press Sport after his new deal with the Swifts was announced, he said: "As I said at the time, I'm more pleased for everybody that's put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes.

"There's a lot of work going on at the club. They've just employed a full-time development officer, there's guys been at the club for years that have continually tried to grow and develop it, and hopefully we get a wee bit of success for them.

"But we don't want it to be just a one-off. Obviously, with these young guys coming through as well, we want to try and grow and develop, and hopefully it's not the last cup final we can get to as a club.

READ MORE: East of Scotland League ties hit by call-offs

"When we got to the semi-final (against Broxburn Athletic), we didn't want to just make it an occasion. We wanted to make sure we got to the final.

"The message to the players again will be that they've got to be hungry. They've got to want more days like this; don't just be happy that we've just reached a cup final. Let's try and be hungry for more that we want to try and make this a regular occurrence.

Dunfermline Press: Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts earned a point at Penicuik Athletic on Saturday.

"It's really, really difficult to try and do it but, if you've got that hunger and desire to want to improve and be better, then there's no reason why we can't have more success at the club in years to come, in terms of getting to cup finals and things like that."

That occasion later this month will be a high point for East of Scotland League Premier Division Swifts, who only created a senior team in 2018.

That has enabled them to have a full pathway from kids' football to adults, and McCrindle is enthused about playing his part in progressing up-and-coming talent.

"There's a really good pathway at the club, so I think if there's a wee bit of sustainability there, we can look to develop the players hopefully coming up and coming through, and, obviously, work with the current group that we've got," he continued.

"It's quite a young squad. I think there's only two or three guys potentially over the age of 25, so it's a really young squad, but it's quite exciting for myself seeing how far we can go with them.

"You saw the other week there that, when they play, they're really, really good, going to Broxburn and winning there. If we can do that, and just try and instill confidence, and then develop the next core of players coming up, it's quite good in terms of the longevity of the club."