THIS MUST BE JOSH START FOR THE PARS

JOSH COOPER is determined to kick on to the next stage with Dunfermline after scoring with his first touch in the Scottish Cup Final.

- BY CRAIG SWAN

The Dunfermline star bagged a consolation at Hampden to give the bumper 16,500 Pars fans something to cheer just moments after coming off the bench.

Cooper has been ascending the footballing ladder at a rapid rate and wants to keep pushing forward with the Pars.

The 23-year-old said: "Five years ago I was playing for Port Glasgow Juniors, two years ago I was part-time with Stirling Albion and now I'm scoring in a Scottish Cup Final.

"It's been a good journey so I have to keep kicking on.

"It's the same for everyone, today was a big step up for us all but it's something we can take and learn from in our careers.

"It was a nice feeling to score in a final, especially with my first touch.