Falkirk

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn insists his players deserve "enormous credit" despite being held to a draw at home to Livingston on Saturday.

The promoted club are fourth in the Scottish Premiership after 12 games and, for a brief period on Saturday, had moved up to third despite the draw.

The result leaves Falkirk with 16 points from their first 12 top flight games, eight clear of Livi at the bottom and two behind Hibs in third.

"The players have got to take enormous credit," McGlynn said.

"For a lot of them, it's maybe only their 12th game in the Premiership and we've got a lot of young guys on loan as well coming up from England and getting the taste of playing at the likes of Celtic Park.

"They're picking up all the time and starting to believe, and gain the confidence that they deserve to be here.

"We were sitting third in the table for a few hours, so the players have got to take enormous credit after 12 games to get to 16 points.

"It's one point on the board in this next set of 11 games, and we're hoping that we can put up a similar tally to what we've got in the first 11 games.

"But we can't get too carried away, we've really got to take it one game at a time."

We asked for your views on Falkirk's 1-1 draw against Livingston.

Here's what some of you said:

Nathan: Honestly I would've taken a draw before the game considering our record against Livi. Sadly I am disappointed with once again giving away a goal from a set piece. We struggled to deal with Livingston's aggression and physicality in the second half and turned the ball over too much. Work to do before Dundee United.

Gary: Made a couple of poor substitutions and it cost us the three points, but on the plus side we are third in the league.

Paul: We need to be shooting from distance, too busy trying to pass the ball into the net.

Neil: Felt we were good in the first half and deserved our lead. Thought some of the substitutions in the second half didn't work and made us poorer. On the balance of play, a draw is probably fair. Big Barney Stewart coming back confident in January will be a bonus. I honestly can't complain though, to be where we are after seasons in the doldrums is magnificent, so proud of this team.

Livingston snatched a point at the death for the second consecutive week but it was not enough to halt fellow Scottish Premiership newcomers Falkirk rising to third in the table.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "We were the better team first half and Livingston were better second half. We lost a bit of control in the game, and without creating too many goalscoring opportunities, they had the better of it.

"They had more of the ball, and we defended well for the vast majority. We come away with one point instead of three. Maybe we should have been further ahead in the first half, but I think a draw is a fair result.

"I'm disappointed but it could be an important point.

"It's been a good start. Every game is difficult and Livingston are a decent team that will pick up more points. We just had to do better second half, but I'm delighted with where we're at."

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Falkirk welcome back Leon McCann and have added new signing Ryan Edwards to their squad but Ross McIver drops out with an ankle injury to join Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) on the sidelines.

Livingston have Ryan McGowan back in training but are still without Shane Blaney (hamstring), Adam Montgomery (calf), Connor McLennan (concussion), Cammy Kerr (ankle) and Aidan Denholm (hamstring).

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Livingston manager David Martindale believes Falkirk's form shows how strong the Championship was last season and he feels his own team are also backing up that assertion.

Falkirk will be two points off Celtic in third place in the Premiership if they beat Livingston on Saturday, after winning three of their previous four games.

The Bairns pipped Livi to the Championship title last season and Martindale's side have also proved themselves to be highly competitive in the vast majority of games this season, with the concession of four last-minute winners consigning them to bottom place.

Martindale said: "They've always got goals in them, Falkirk. They're a good attacking team and they've kept that even when they've changed the players within the group.

"For me, in certain games where we've got to be a wee bit more clinical is at the top end of the park.

"Falkirk have probably been that wee bit more clinical at the top end of the park.

"If you wanted to strip every game back, they played Aberdeen for 50 minutes with 10 men. So there's different reasons. But they're up there on merit.

"I was a big advocate of it last year, how strong the top end of the Championship was.

"And I think we've shown that. Because even though we may be sitting at the bottom of the table just now, if you went around our opponents, I don't think they would actually say they would have thought Livingston were bottom of the league based on the performances."

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Scott Bain says Falkirk have helped him rekindle his passion for football after several seasons as a back-up at Celtic.

The 33-year-old joined the Premiership newcomers on a one-year deal after his contract at Parkhead expired and has since made 14 appearances.

Bain was named in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark having won the last of his three international caps in 2019.

Scotland's regular first-choice Angus Gunn is out injured and he believes his move to Falkirk has thrust him back into contention.

"It was all about getting regular games, playing again," he said. "I wanted to see if I still had this desire and hunger.

"And thankfully, after a couple of weeks, I knew that I did. I'd still had that fire in the belly, as they say, and wanted to improve and be better. And over the course of the pre-season, I got my eye back in and I felt really good and really comfortable."

Bain won 14 major honours with Celtic, but had dropped to third choice in his final season.

He was full of praise for Celtic and his time there, but says he missed the "buzz" of being involved on matchday and his priorities in life had shifted.

"There were times when I thought, that's fine," he said of his situation in Glasgow. "Monday to Friday, really enjoyed it, training hard. Everything at the club was fantastic.

"And then it would come to a Saturday and you'd do the warm up. You'd feel the buzz of the game and then the boys would go out. If you weren't on the bench you'd be sat there and you'd think, 'what's the point?' It's difficult.

"If I was just me and had no responsibilities, then I think I probably would have left earlier. But me and my partner, we have a young boy now. So I think the responsibilities of that sort of kept me in.

"Yeah, I get paid well. I get everything that I need. I'm missing the game, but overall, is this going to benefit my family more to be here? And I think at the time it did.

"But the last year I wasn't on the bench really at all. I felt like to go through life without the purpose and the motivation to get better and to play football and to really enjoy it every day. It took over and I needed to get that back."

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn insists he doesn't have to rush new signing Ryan Edwards into action.

The 32-year-old defender joined on a short-term deal this week to bolster the Bairns squad after injuries to fellow centre-backs Tom Lang, Lewis Neilson and Coll Donaldson.

Prior to Saturday's visit of Livingston, McGlynn said: "He's trained with us two or three days now and looks okay.

"We are not in a position where we absolutely need to throw him in. We can afford to have a look at him and see exactly where he is, but if we need him he's there.

"I spoke with [former Dundee United manager] Liam Fox and Owen Coyle, who he has been playing under most recently in India.

"They speak very highly of him. With that leadership quality, he is a good type in the dressing room.

"I'm sure he is going to do the job we expect him to do."

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• Falkirk last hosted Livingston in the top flight on the final day of the 2005-06 season, winning 1-0 courtesy of Daniel McBreen's goal.

• Livingston have lost four of their past six Premiership away games against newly-promoted opponents (W2), including both of their last two: 2-0 v Kilmarnock in May 2023 and 1-0 v Dundee in November 2023.

• Falkirk have won three of their past four league games (L1), with no side winning more matches than the Bairns in the Premiership since the October international break (3, level with Hearts). At home, Falkirk are looking to win three successive games in the top flight for the first time since December 2007.

• Livingston have just seven points in 11 league games this season (W1 D4 L6), while a defeat here would make this the poorest start by any side after 12 matches of a Premiership campaign since 2021-22, when Ross County managed just six points in their opening 12.

• Falkirk have had 11 different goalscorers in the league this season (excluding own goals), more than any side. Only Aberdeen (5) have had fewer than Livingston (6).

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn has hailed Scott Bain's "fairytale" Scotland recall after helping to revive the goalkeeper's career.

Bain, 33, was third choice at Celtic and hadn't played a first-team game for more than a year when released in the summer.

McGlynn took a "risk" by snapping up Bain on a one-year deal and he has started all 11 games on Falkirk's Premiership return to earn a first Scotland summons in six years for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Denmark.

"I wanted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper, someone who had played in the league," said McGlynn.

"Of course there's a little bit of risk, because he hadn't played for so long, but everyone knew what Scott had done previously.

"He's just got better and better and better. He's had some amazing performances. Even at Tynecastle where we lost, he saved us from an absolute doing.

"He's been like that virtually every game, making saves. His distribution was a big part of why I wanted to bring him in. He's a ready-made player.

"The goalies that were keeping him out [at Celtic] were Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel, top drawer. You can understand why Scott would maybe end up a little bit in the background, but I'm absolutely delighted at where he is now.

"I'm delighted he's got this call-up, it speaks volumes for him. It's been such a long time, we must have wondered would that opportunity ever arise again.

"He's a great boy to work with, he's enjoying his time here. It's a fairytale from where he's been to where he is right now."

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John McGlynn has been speaking to the media before Falkirk's home game with Livingston on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• He is "delighted" Scott Bain has earned a first Scotland call-up since 2019, adding: "It's a fairytale from where he's been to where he is right now."

• McGlynn says Bain's work with the club's young goalkeepers is "invaluable and very instrumental" in helping them progress.

• Newly-signed defender Ryan Edwards won't be rushed into action.

• McGlynn says Falkirk need to find a way to beat Livingston after failing to do so in the past eight meetings: "We have to change that, we have to beat Livingston at some point in time."

• The Bairns are "in a much better place" after winning three out of their past four fixtures.

• Ryan McKeever is added to the players out injured after picking up a knock in last week's win over Kilmarnock.

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

It is fair to say it has been a pleasing start to the season for those of a Falkirk persuasion.

Sitting fifth in the table with 15 points to our name after 11 matches, the impact we have made on our top-flight return so far has exceeded all expectations.

Our stunning first-half goal blitz against Kilmarnock on Saturday was one of the best 45 minutes I have ever witnessed from a Falkirk side.

And it certainly augurs well heading into the latest cycle of fixtures now we have played every team in the division.

While the Bairns have rightly earned a lot of plaudits for our style of play and commitment to attacking football, we have also been a tough nut to crack, particularly in front of our own fans.

The only real fly in the ointment is our lack of clean sheets - one in 11 games - with defending set-pieces still a particular weakness.

However, if manager John McGlynn can find a way to tighten us up, it will only enhance our chances of securing the points needed for safety - which has to remain the primary objective, even though we are currently in the lofty heights of fifth.

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Ryan Edwards adds "invaluable" experience to Falkirk after the former Dundee United defender joined on a deal until January.

The 32-year-old has spent the past two seasons in India, making 46 appearances for Super League side Chennaiyin, after leaving Tannadice.

Edwards bolsters an injury-hit Falkirk defence, with Lewis Neilson, Coll Donaldson and Tom Lang all sidelined.

Manager John McGlynn said: "Ryan is a player who we've brought in as a replacement, more or less, for Lewis Neilson.

"Lewis picked up an injury against Motherwell and has gone through an operation, so we're looking at him being out for around another 10 weeks from now.

"Ryan is 32 and he's played in this league before with Dundee United. That experience will stand him in good stead for playing here.

"He's a no-nonsense centre-back, who is 6ft 5in. He's going to head the ball in both boxes, he's going to be a threat at the other end, so he'll add that experience that is invaluable in this division."

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

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Falkirk defender Liam Henderson says goalkeeper Scott Bain is a "rock" who has to start for Scotland in their vital World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.

Steve Clarke's side are aiming to avoid defeat away to the Greeks and then beat Denmark at Hampden to seal automatic qualification for next summer's tournament.

Bain, 33, has been called up for the first time since 2019 with first-choice Angus Gunn injured.

Liam Kelly and Craig Gordon are the other goalkeepers in the Scotland squad, but neither are currently featuring for Rangers or Hearts respectively.

"Scott's been outstanding this season so far," Henderson told BBC Radio Scotland.

"I think he should be starting for Scotland. They've got other goalkeepers who have not had a lot of game-time and Scott's been amazing this season. Hopefully he gets a chance and does well."

John McGlynn's Bairns currently lie fifth in the Premiership in their first season back in the top flight and Henderson believes Bain - a summer arrival from Celtic - takes a good portion of the credit for that.

"He's been a huge part of our success this season with his experience on and off the pitch," the former Arbroath defender said.

"Especially for myself playing centre-back, you've got that rock behind you and he's talking all the time to try to organise. It's huge for him and for us as a club to have someone in the Scotland squad.

"A big part of having a goalie behind you is knowing you have a lot of confidence there - and that you trust him. So, when your backline is breached or there are shots on target, that he's going to be there and make saves. He's done that all season."

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Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain has been recalled by Scotland for the pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark later this month.

Bain - the 33-year-old who won the last of his three caps in San Marino in 2019 - returns with first-choice Angus Gunn out injured.

He signed for John McGlynn's side in the summer after a seven-year stint with Celtic and has made 14 appearances for the Bairns this season.

Hearts' Craig Gordon and Rangers' Liam Kelly are the other two goalkeepers in Steve Clarke's squad, with neither having played a top-flight match this season.

"Scott made a big decision to come out of Celtic to go and play regular first-team football and now that he's in the squad, you could say that's a reward for that decision," said Clarke.

Scotland, who have not reached the finals of the World Cup since 1998, travel to Piraeus to face Greece on 15 November before playing group leaders Denmark at Hampden Park three days later.

Watch highlights as Falkirk stun Kilmarnock 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Falkirk's 3-1 win against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Dougie: Falkirk fully deserved the win, the first-half display was excellent, different tactics in the second half but still had chances to add to their tally.

Kevin: Brilliant result and performance from Falkirk. My player of the match was Connor Allen, he has been top notch since coming into defence and never put a foot wrong.

Paul: First-half was incredible. That was one of the best Falkirk performances, every player fought for every ball, technically brilliant and took our chances.

John: Brilliant result you Bairns, I am so happy and proud we are in the proper league.

Nathan: One of the best halves I've seen from us in months. The team played free-flowing attacking football with pure confidence. Second half we took our foot off the pedal but the damage was already done. Phenomenal performances from the squad but special credit I'll give to Kyrell Wilson and Ethan Williams.

Neil: Falkirk were class. John McGlynn should be named 'manager of the year' again already.

Barry: First half we looked clinical, second half Kilmarnock seemed to come into the game but I think we did enough, players started fast and scored which was good to see.

Falkirk's emphatic first-half display earned a third win in four league games as the promoted side rose to fifth place in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the match report here.

Have your say on Falkirk's win here.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "Yeah, our first half, we blew Kilmarnock away, the boys were in top form.

"Delighted with them, the three behind Ross [MacIver], the energy, the pace. Kyrell [Wilson] - what a first-half performance that was. Calvin Miller, Ethan Williams, they get the goals.

"Obviously, the message at half-time was to try and keep it going but we knew that Kilmarnock would never ever just lie down and were going to get a lot closer to us and make it lot more difficult. To be fair, I thought they dominated the second half.

"We'd have taken 3-1, we wanted 15 points, we wanted another three points to add to the 12 we had, which is getting us to 15.

"I believe that's a really, really good return after the first 11 games."

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Falkirk are still missing Leon McCann with a knock along with long-term absentees Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot), Aidan Nesbitt (foot) and Jamie Sneddon (hernia).

Killie are assessing two unnamed players following Wednesday's defeat by Aberdeen. Goalkeeper Max Stryjek (medical issue), Lewis Mayo (calf), Jamie Brandon (ankle/groin), Djenairo Daniels (knee), Marley Watkins (heel) and Matty Kennedy (hip) are out.

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn insists his players must "bin" their 4-0 loss to Celtic and take clear minds into Saturday's Premiership visit of Kilmarnock.

"When Celtic are so sharp and so quick, it's a little bit of a struggle for us when they're playing at top level," McGlynn told Falkirk TV.

"When they turn the ball over, they're after you. You don't get enough time on the ball, and that's when you can be caught out of position. When you're caught out of position, you're open and you can lose goals.

"One to bin, one to absolutely bin.

"We make sure that doesn't cause us any damage. We'll look to the Kilmarnock game now on Saturday. A quick turnaround for everyone. We're all in the same boat. It's up to us to be prepared and ready for the game on Saturday.

"It's not going to define our season. We're not going to be competing for first and second in the league."

Promoted Falkirk currently sit seventh, two points ahead of Kilmarnock, after the opening 10 games.

"We're going to be competing with three or four teams that we can't get near, but the other ones we can get near," McGlynn said.

"That's where we've got to be looking towards Saturday at home. Kilmarnock are a very, very good side. That's where our attention now goes to."

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• This will be Falkirk's first top-flight meeting with Kilmarnock since a goalless draw in May 2010; the Bairns have won just one of their past seven games against Killie at this level (D4 L2), a 2-1 victory in December 2009.

• During Falkirk's last spell in the top flight (2005-06 to 2009-10), Kilmarnock lost none of their eight away league games against them (W4 D4), most recently winning 1-0 in February 2010.

• Falkirk picked up their first home win of the top-flight season last time out when beating Dundee 1-0 – they last won back-to-back home games in the Scottish Premiership in September 2008, beating Hearts and Hamilton under John Hughes.

• Kilmarnock have lost their last their past three league games, last going on a longer losing streak when suffering eight straight Scottish Premiership defeats between January and February 2021. Killie last did so under the same manager in December 2020 under Alex Dyer (run of five).

• Kilmarnock have won just two of their 10 Scottish Premiership games under Stuart Kettlewell (D4 L4), the same number his two predecessors Tommy Wright and Derek McInnes managed at the same mark – both of those managers won their 11th game however, with the last Killie boss to win as few as two of his first 11 matches being Lee Clark in 2016 (2).

Falkirk are trying to seal a deal to bring Ryan Edwards back to the Scottish Premiership after the 32-year-old former Dundee United centre-half left Indian Super League club Chennaiyin. (Daily Record), external