Neil Lennon knows a thing or two about iconic Scottish Cup moments. The last time he lifted the trophy as a manager, a job offer from Celtic awaited him in the Hampden showers. Now, the 54-year-old Northern Irishman is on the cusp of another historic final, this time with Dunfermline Athletic, and the potential storyline is rich with narrative.

After a dramatic penalty shootout victory over rivals Falkirk on Saturday, Dunfermline have booked their place in the final. They now await the winner of Sunday's semi-final between Celtic and St Mirren. Should Celtic prevail, Lennon would find himself pitted against his managerial mentor and compatriot, Martin O’Neill, who is currently serving as Celtic's interim manager. The prospect of facing the man who gave him his Celtic playing career, with a cup on the line, adds a deeply personal layer to the sporting contest.

For Lennon, simply guiding the Pars to Hampden is a monumental achievement. "It is up there with anything I've done," he told BBC Scotland, collapsing to his knees to kiss the turf after the semi-final win. His journey with Dunfermline mirrors aspects of his Celtic story. Appointed on a short-term deal last March to steer the club clear of relegation, he succeeded and earned a two-year contract. After another early-season brush with danger, his young squad has found form, climbing to third in the Championship and securing a promotion play-off spot.

Their cup run has been a giant-killing spectacle, adding Falkirk to previous Premiership scalps Hibernian and Aberdeen. Now, with a chance to deliver Dunfermline's third-ever Scottish Cup, Lennon stands on the verge of adding a remarkable chapter to his storied career, whether the final opponent is a familiar giant or a determined underdog.