Neil Lennon is not interested in being anyone's sideshow. The Dunfermline Athletic manager, 54, has issued a pointed warning to Celtic ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup final at Hampden (15:00 BST), insisting that the narrative surrounding the match has been "disrespectful" to a side that has every right to be there.

"Underdogs bite," Lennon said plainly, and the results that carried Dunfermline to the final support his case. The Championship club knocked out three Premiership sides en route to Hampden — Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk — a run that Lennon argues has built something tangible inside his dressing room.

"We will come — I wouldn't say brimming full of confidence — but with an inner belief that we can achieve something here," he said. "We're under no illusions as to how difficult that's going to be."

The narrative that has rankled Lennon

What appears to have irritated Lennon most is commentary suggesting Celtic's fairytale ending is already scripted. He called out speculation that Martin O'Neill, who returned to Celtic this season, would simply lift the trophy at full time alongside captain Callum McGregor — as though the final were a formality.

"I've seen a lot of comments this week about Martin picking up the trophy with Callum McGregor," Lennon said. "I wouldn't dismiss us." Asked whether the disrespect annoyed him, he was direct: "Yes. It just adds fuel for me, so it's great."

Dunfermline do arrive in less than ideal circumstances. Their promotion push ended in the play-off semi-finals last week, beaten by Partick Thistle, which means the cup final is their last opportunity for a positive finish to the season. Lennon's squad will want to make it count.

Team news ahead of the final

Lennon offered encouraging injury updates. Striker Zak Rudden, sidelined for more than three months, is set to be available. Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough will also return on loan from Motherwell after being temporarily recalled by his parent club — a boost to a side that will need to be defensively solid against a Celtic team who have been the dominant force in Scottish football this term.

The O'Neill factor

Lennon spent roughly a decade working under O'Neill and credits him as the single biggest influence on his managerial thinking — which makes Saturday's occasion personal in more ways than one. He pushed back firmly, however, on the description of himself as O'Neill's "apprentice", calling it disrespectful in its own right.

"It'll still be surreal considering how long I've known him, what he's done for my career and what influence he's had on me," Lennon said. He was generous in his assessment of what O'Neill achieved at Leicester City — four top-ten Premier League finishes and three League Cup finals, largely on limited budgets — and argued that the same output today would make him a candidate for Europe's elite clubs.

Whether sentiment plays any part on the pitch on Saturday is doubtful. Lennon knows Celtic are heavy favourites and the market reflects that. But Dunfermline have already beaten three top-flight sides this season to reach Hampden, and their manager is not standing on ceremony about what comes next.

"It's not a day out for us," he said. That much is clear.

Frequently asked

What time does the Scottish Cup final kick off on Saturday?
Celtic v Dunfermline Athletic kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday 23 May at Hampden Park. It is live on BBC One Scotland and the BBC iPlayer, with coverage also available on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Sounds.
How did Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final?
Dunfermline, who play in the Scottish Championship (second tier), beat three Premiership clubs on their way to the final — Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk — to earn their place at Hampden.
Why is the Dunfermline v Celtic final special for Neil Lennon?
Lennon is a former Celtic captain and manager, meaning he faces his old club in a major final. He also came up through management under Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, so the personal connections make Saturday's occasion particularly significant for him.