Dunfermline manager Stephen Kenny claimed his plans for next weekend's Tennent's Scottish Cup final had become more defined after his fringe players missed a big chance to impress in their 3-0 league defeat to Falkirk.

Kenny made eight changes to give several members of his squad an opportunity to stake a claim for selection at Hampden, knowing they deserved the chance.

But a sub-standard performance by players still reeling from the shock of relegation from the Bank of Scotland Premier League meant Kenny was left without a selection dilemma.

Goals from Steven Thomson, Alan Gow and Pedro Moutinho made it a day to remember for Falkirk against their local rivals, and the Pars will need a vastly improved display to stand any chance of success against Celtic in the cup final.

At least they can rely on players coming back into the side, such as on-loan Liverpool winger Adam Hammill, who was away with the England Under-19 side and missed this game.

Kenny said: "I know people talk about bragging rights and for supporters these things are important but today had no relevance to us, in terms of us being relegated already and we had to accept that and accept it quickly.

"We have to prepare for next week and Adam Hammill was away and there's another four lads not available next week and Dorus de Vries hurt his hand in training.

"So, other people need to push themselves forward. Okay, it would have been good to finish on a high, but apart from that we had to see the bigger picture for next week and give other people a chance and create a bit of competition for the squad and give me more options.

"More questions were answered in a negative sense in that people didn't do themselves justice and that has given me a clearer idea of where we are.

"It was a poor day and it's not indicative of recent performances because performances have been good.

"But I'm going to put it behind me and not read too much into that. I could be scathing about the performance but, no matter what you say, when you're relegated and you play the next game I think the spirit is eroded somewhat.

"But the cup final is different. That's a big day next week, playing the double champions, a great side and a great club, and we have to make sure we're better than today.

"I could have played Tam McManus, Stephen Glass, Gary Mason and Jim O'Brien (who are all unavailable for the cup final) and maybe got a result and ended on a high, and then thrown an experimental line-up into next Saturday.

"But I think it's better to get beaten today and have a better shape and organisation next week."

Falkirk manager John Hughes was delighted with his side's professional approach to the last game of their season and full or praise for striker Gow, who scored a classy left-footed strike in his final outing before a summer move to Rangers.

Hughes said: "Bar once or twice this year the players have been outstanding.

"They're a great bunch of lads to work with, they've embraced everything we're trying to do at the club and when they get results like that and finish seventh in the league they deserve it.

"'Gowser' moves on to Rangers and we wish him all the best. You can't work with a better professional, he's been absolutely fantastic and I can't speak highly enough of him.

"When he gets the ball he excites me and, no disrespect to (Gow's former club) Airdrie, I think we've taken him to the next level. I'm quite sure when he goes to Rangers he'll go to the next level again.

"I'll say to (Rangers manager) Walter Smith, you're getting a fantastic football player and I'm quite sure he'll be surprised with his attributes."