ATHLETIC skipper Kyle Benedictus has said his side are going to rivals Falkirk to "put on a performance" for their supporters on Saturday.

The 32-year-old also said that, whilst they will respect their opponents, they will be not heading across the Kincardine Bridge fearing their second clash of the season.

Benedictus hasn't featured for the first team since a home draw with Ayr United at the end of August with a hamstring issue, but was on the bench for Saturday's match with Greenock Morton.

The centre back played an hour for the reserves in their win over Dundee on Tuesday, and will be part of a Pars squad that is set to be at full-strength for the game at the Falkirk Stadium.

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Dunfermline, who have not lost any of their previous six visits to the venue, sit second bottom of the Championship, with just one victory to their name in nine attempts.

John McGlynn's high-flying Bairns, by contrast, sit top of the table and were victorious when the teams met at KDM Group East End Park in August.

Falkirk have not been beaten at home in a league match since April 2023, the season which saw Athletic win the League One title, in a run stretching 22 matches, including four this season.

However, speaking to the club's website, Benedictus said: "You need to give credit where it’s due.

"They’ve had a really, really good start to the season. Ten games in, and obviously they’re sitting top, so we have to respect them, but we’re not going there in fear. We’re going there to put on a performance for our fans and we’ll be looking to get three points."

READ MORE: Pars need to find 'that last bit' in Falkirk clash

The return of Benedictus to his squad will be a boost for Dunfermline boss, James McPake, but the club captain said he will have to fight for his place in the starting line-up.

Youngster, Sam Young, and on-loan Birmingham City player, and Northern Ireland under-21 international, Tommy Fogarty, have both impressed at the heart of defence, as has Pars vice-captain, Chris Hamilton.

"I just need to get minutes. I've got to feel my back into it," Benedictus continued.

"I’m the same as every other player that’s in the team. All of them have been very good, to be honest, in terms of their position. I’ll be fighting just as much as anybody else in the team.

"That will not change no matter what level you’re at. You can’t expect to walk into a team and I’m no different."

Speaking about Benedictus' return prior to the Morton match, McPake said: "Having him back is big for the football club in terms of his leadership.

"He's the captain for a reason and he's a very good captain, he really is. I think the really important thing was we took as long as we could to get it right, to get him up, to get him fit. He's in great condition just now, so he's due a bit of fortune with injury as well.

"Obviously, we see the effect he can have on our team on the pitch, but credit to Kyle because, even when he's not fit, he's still a huge influence in that dressing room.

"It is a young group, and we know that, so helps that and he still does all the work that a good captain would do even when he's not playing.

"But, certainly, having him back and available for selection is a massive boost for everyone."