Falkirk

Rangers failed to extend their Scottish Premiership winning run to five matches as a well-structured Falkirk earned another valuable point on their return to the top flight.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "We're a little bit disappointed, because we think we're better than that.

"We're not far away from being a right good side and we've got to take belief from coming here and putting in a dogged performance.

"We turned the ball over too much and that's where we feel we could have done better. Still, we're very proud of the players - it's not easy coming here.

"Our fans are going home happy because it's a good point. We go to the next game and Motherwell are a very good side. We have to dust ourselves down and get ready for that."

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Rangers remain without John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Mikey Moore with muscle injuries. Rabbi Matondo (knee), Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Kieran Dowell (foot) are closing in on comebacks.

Falkirk striker Gary Oliver (hamstring) joins Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) on the sidelines.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Brian Graham says the younger players at Falkirk are keeping him young as he reflects on life back in the Scottish Premiership.

Graham, 38, joined Falkirk from Partick Thistle in the summer having last played in Scotland's top flight with Ross County in 2018.

Falkirk have enjoyed their return back to the top table, winning five of 13 matches as they sit sixth.

With two goals in his past two appearances, Graham feels he has settled in well at his new club.

"I knew it was going to be a real challenge, especially stepping up for the Championship, where I've been for a number of years," the former Partick Thistle striker said.

"Obviously I've played in the [top flight] before, but when you get to my age you want one more crack at it.

"It's a long season, we've got so many young boys in there. I think Martin O'Neill said at his press conference, 'the young boys keep you young'. It's similar to myself, I had a wee chuckle to myself last night listening to that press conference.

"Yeah, these young boys keep me young, but at the same time, I'm out there every day training really hard.

"It took me a couple of weeks, maybe a month and a half to get used to that, if I'm being really honest. Now I feel as if I'm getting there and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

Falkirk are away to Rangers on Sunday afternoon, the first time they have played at Ibrox since 2018, when they were beaten 4-1.

Graham is optimistic and thinks Falkirk have the game to "hurt" Rangers.

"We've just got to keep believing in ourselves, especially going to Ibrox, it's going to be a really difficult venue," he said.

"We know where we think we can hurt Rangers, and we've got to take that into the game.

"The gaffer's mentioned it - so many teams over the years before they've even stepped foot onto the pitch they've mentally been beaten. It's just another game, it doesn't matter where it is.

"We've got to go and play our football, focus and get the three points."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn has praised his "amazing" players for a start "he couldn't have imagined" in the club's first top-flight campaign for 15 years.

The Bairns, who visit Rangers on Sunday, occupy sixth place having taken 14 points from their past seven matches.

"I couldn't have imagined it, not even in a dream. No, couldn't have, no chance," said McGlynn.

"But we are there and we're there on merit."

"What we've done, the players have been amazing to be in that position considering some of them have never played there [in the top flight] before and we're playing against teams and players that have been in the league for a number of seasons, so we've adapted really well."

McGlynn was in reflective mood as he spoke to the media on Friday.

"Two years ago we were playing Cove Rangers, now we're playing Glasgow Rangers," he added.

"I think the players we've got, we believe we can hurt anyone. I think we showed that last week [3-0 win at Dundee United].

"We've got belief that we can hurt anyone."

McGlynn insists his side are proving they belong in the top flight and surprising people who tipped them as relegation candidates.

"I think we're proving that we are more than capable," he said. "But you've got to go and prove it. If you've never been there, then you've got to prove it. I think we are doing that."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn has been speaking to the media before his side's league match against Rangers at Ibrox this weekend.

Here are they key points.

• McGlynn admits he "couldn't have imagined" the start Falkirk have had to their top-flight return - "not even in a dream" - but says they occupy sixth place "on merit".

• He adds: "Two years ago we were playing Cove Rangers, now we're playing Glasgow Rangers."

• His players are full of belief, especially after their impressive win last time out against Dundee United, and "believe we can hurt anyone".

• Despite Rangers' European struggles McGlynn is expecting a formidable test given their Premiership form under Danny Rohl, saying: "They're a little bit different. I think they're pressing higher. They're going forward a bit quicker."

• However, his players will go to Ibrox "with no fear" and intend to "express ourselves".

• On life in the top flight, he admits "it's a huge challenge" but he's loving it.

• Amid the Bairns' form of only one defeat in the past seven games, he says it's vital the players don't "get carried away".

• Gary Oliver is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Ross MacIver will be out for 10-12 weeks after surgery.

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• Rangers are unbeaten in 60 home league games against Falkirk (W51 D9) since a 3-2 defeat in November 1925. This is their first meeting since a 1-0 Rangers win in the Championship in January 2016, and first in the top flight since a 3-0 win in January 2010.

• Falkirk have only won one of their past 46 top-flight matches against Rangers (D7 L38), a 1-0 triumph in December 2006 under John Hughes.

• Danny Rohl is looking to become only the fifth Rangers manager to win his first five league games in charge, after Bill Struth in 1920, David White in 1967, Mark Warburton in 2015, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2021.

• After only winning one of their first seven league games this season (D3 L3), Falkirk have since won four of their past six (D1 L1). The Bairns have also won as many of their six away league matches this season (three) as they did on the road in the entirety of their last top-flight campaign in 2009-10.

• Rangers are unbeaten in 52 league games played on a Sunday after a Europa League match (excluding qualifiers) on the Thursday of that same week (W44 D8) since a 3-0 defeat to Celtic in February 2011.

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

An inability to play well in both halves has been something of a running theme this season for Falkirk.

We barely laid a glove on Dundee during the first half at home last month, only to come out firing after the break and rally from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.

Just a week later we brilliantly dismantled Kilmarnock to race into a three-goal lead at half-time before producing a backs-to-the-wall job during the second period.

It was a similar story against Livingston a fortnight ago, and it's something sections of our support as well as manager John McGlynn have nit-picked about in recent weeks, perhaps justifiably so.

However, there was certainly no room for any such criticism at Tannadice on Saturday as the Bairns produced their most complete and well-rounded performance of the season so far.

Yes, it was an afternoon to forget for Dundee United goalkeeper Yevhenii Kucherenko, but that shouldn't detract from what was Falkirk's finest showing since returning to the top flight following a 15-year absence.

In all truth the scoreline could and probably should have been even more convincing, and a first clean sheet since August put the cherry on the cake.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Falkirk put on a superb display at Tannadice to beat Dundee United 3-0, and they have three players in my team of the week.

Filip Lissah, on loan from Swansea, was a lively presence at left-back as Falkirk flourished in their fine away rout of Dundee United.

Calvin Miller always plays with real verve and electricity which came in handy as he followed up quickly to fire home after his initial shot was parried by Yevhen Kucherenko. Also claimed an assist for Falkirk's third, scored by Brian Graham.

Brian Graham took his goal at Tannadice superbly well proving he can still cut it in the top half of the Premiership at the ripe old age of 37. He actually turned 38 on Sunday so happy birthday Brian! That cake would've been a fire hazard.

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Calvin Miller's opening goal for Falkirk in their 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

Watch all the highlights from Falkirk's 3-0 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

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Falkirk fans, we asked for your views after Saturday's 3-0 win at Dundee United.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ross: Falkirk are clicking nicely at the moment, hopefully silencing the doubters on the way and giving us fans something to enjoy. We look like a Premiership team which is the biggest compliment I can give John McGlynn and his team.

Nathan: What a fantastic away day, three goals and a clean sheet which I'm delighted to see. Thought we were a class above United in every area of the park today and held them to very little we go to Ibrox full of confidence next week.

Ivor: Incredible season, incredible result, and Europe-bound! Never would have predicted that September last year!

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain says being a "tiny" part of the Scotland squad that secured their place at next summer's World Cup is his "best moment in football."

Bain was an unused substitute as Steve Clarke's side defeated Denmark 4-2 at Hampden on Tuesday to finish top of their qualification group, ensuring the Scots will contest the finals for the first time in nearly 30 years.

"I have been involved in a lot of big moments, I have played in a lot of big games and won cup finals and it was without a doubt the best moment in football I have ever been involved in," the former Celtic goalkeeper said.

"I think from the national anthem to the game was unbelievable and Kenny McLean's goal at the end to finish it off was just the icing on the cake.

"We all just went mental really and it was amazing to be a part of."

After winning the last of his three caps in 2019, Bain was recalled for the qualification double header with the Danes and Greece.

However veteran Hearts keeper Craig Gordon was given the starting berth for the two games.

"It wasn't disappointing [to not play]," he added.

"I knew whatever my role was going to be when I went there that I would do it to the best of my ability and I believe I did.

"I am just glad we managed to do it and get there . I played a tiny part in that qualification and to be a part of it was one of the best moments of my career."

Falkirk took advantage of a mistake-ridden performance by Dundee United goalkeeper Yevhen Kucharenko to claim a surprisingly comfortable Scottish Premiership win at Tannadice.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "I'm very proud of the players for an outstanding performance, which we've been looking for in the last few games. We managed to go for the 90 minutes.

"Right from the start we were on the front foot, down the slope. We needed to defend well in the second and we did that admirably. We were a threat on the counter. We had more opportunities, but that might be being greedy.

"It was an outstanding performance from the goalkeeper right through the team, although Scotty [Bain] wasn't worked too much. It's a big clean sheet for us.

"We've got so many good players and that's not a bad recipe for success. The three that play behind the striker are a match for anyone. We've got a lot going for us.

"We're ambitious. We're not going to get carried away, but we want to finish as high as we possibly can. When you come up, you need to get to that 40-point mark as soon as you can. We're at 19 points after 13 games, so we're on target."

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn admits the club are considering recalling striker Barney Stewart from his loan spell at Dunfermline in January following an injury to Ross MacIver.

MacIver is facing around three months on the sidelines after ankle surgery.

"Ross hurt his ankle against Kilmarnock and it turned out he has actually had an operation on Monday," McGlynn said.

"You are looking at something around 11 weeks or so.

"It's a blow. He had been doing well. He is going to miss a lot of games as we have a lot of games coming up."

Stewart has scored four goals in six appearances for second-tier Dunfermline and earned a first Scotland Under-21 call-up.

McGlynn admits a return in the new year is not off the table for the 21-year-old.

"It is an option," he added.

"The only thing we have done is informed Dunfermline that we don't want Barney to play in the Scottish Cup.

"He is doing well, he is getting game-time and he is developing."

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Dundee United quartet Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ross Graham and Max Watters are all back in contention after injuries, so Isaac Pappoe (knee) is the only definite absentee.

Falkirk striker Ross McIver has had ankle surgery, while Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) remain on the sidelines.

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in eight top-flight matches against Falkirk (W5 D3) since a 3-0 defeat in December 2007.

• This will be Falkirk's first away game at Dundee United in the top flight since losing 3-0 in February 2010; the Bairns have lost four of their past five such visits (D1) since a 5-1 victory in January 2007.

• Dundee United have won just one of their past six Premiership matches (D3 L2), a 3-1 victory against St Mirren in October.

• Falkirk have alternated between winning and losing in the league in each of their five away matches this season, losing their last game on the road 4-0 to Celtic.

• Falkirk have gained nine points from losing positions this season, the most of any team in the top flight. The Bairns have gone on to win two of their past three league matches in which they conceded the first goal.

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John McGlynn has urged Scott Bain to maintain his Falkirk form and target a World Cup place with Scotland after being part of the squad that made history.

Bain was on the bench for the defeat in Greece then the dramatic win over Denmark that ended Scotland's 28-year absence from the men's World Cup finals.

With an injury to Angus Gunn leading to Bain's first call-up since 2019, the 33-year-old is now jostling for a spot in Steve Clarke's squad for next summer's global showpiece in North America.

"He's been great and I'm delighted for him that he managed to get involved in it," said Falkirk manager McGlynn.

"Obviously he didn't get on but he was there and he was on the bench and obviously trained across in Turkey [Scotland's training camp], they trained there for virtually a week.

"I'm sure he'd take things out of that, being part of that, being part of the two games, the celebrations.

"He can bring that back as experience on that trip. Hopefully fingers crossed for him he can stay in that.

"If he keeps doing well maybe he gets an opportunity somewhere, maybe in the [friendly] games in March.

"That would be for him, a target. It would be great for Falkirk Football Club as well to have somebody potentially going to a World Cup."

Falkirk return to Premiership action against Dundee United on Saturday and McGlynn believes his team have adjusted well to life in the top flight following promotion.

The Bairns currently sit fifth, two points behind third-place Hibs.

"You come in [to the league], you're very positive because you finished top of the league and so you're used to winning games, you keep that winning mentality into a huge step up considering we went League 1 to Championship and then Championship to Premiership very very quickly," said McGlynn.

"It is a big, big, step up but I think the players have handled it very well to have a good amount of points on the board.

"But we know that it's a very brutal, harsh, league where if you take your eye of the ball it can bite you and that's what we're trying to guard against.

"We've got to continue picking up points all the way."

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald will be "extremely proud" to make his 500th career appearance in Saturday's Premiership tussle with hometown club Falkirk.

The Bairns academy graduate spent seven years in the Falkirk first team, playing over 250 games, before moving to Livingston in 2018.

Sibbald joined United four years later and has made 116 appearances for the Tannadice side, scoring nine times.

"It means everything," the 30-year-old told DUTV.

"It's obviously what you kind of want to do when you grow up. You just want to be a professional footballer. I'm lucky to have done that.

"To hopefully at the weekend play 500 games, I'll be extremely proud and hopefully many more to come.

"It puts it into perspective how long I've been playing, all the ups and downs, the high and lows. It's all been really enjoyable and worthwhile.

"Hopefully I'm selected or come on at some part of the game and I can make that 500th appearance against my local team, so it could be a special day."