Falkirk

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Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain is relishing the "freedom" of having secured top six status.

John McGlynn's side confirmed their spot in the top half of the table with one game to spare after beating Motherwell last weekend, while Dundee United lost to Rangers.

And while Bain suggests a weight has been lifted, Falkirk can't drop the ball in their final six games as they prepare to host Rangers on Sunday.

"I've had that before at Dundee where we reached the top six and then I don't think we won a game in the top six," he said.

"It was a bit like 'we've done it' and you take a deep breath and then before you know it, you've lost every game.

"It's such an interesting season, it's such an interesting title race so for us to be a part of that, that will be a bit of a motivation for us going into these games, that we can have a big say in these games and they're not just dead rubbers.

"The gaffer has also touched on that. That's what managers like to do, move the goalposts a wee bit.

"The aim is top six and then once you get top six, the aim is fifth so it keeps us on our toes and I think that'll help us to keep going. It's really open from six all the way up to fifth and fourth.

"We've overachieved to reach this point so we can also play with a little bit of freedom now.

"I think there were a couple of games before securing top six where we were maybe a wee bit nervous or a wee bit not right because of that leaning over us.

"So I think we'll have a little bit of freedom going into the games and anything that we do from here on out is really, really amazing."

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Falkirk continue without Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams (both thigh) but have no other selection problems.

Rangers pair Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens miss out, while Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore are fitness doubts.

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Falkirk can now play with freedom and zero fear as they play catch-up in the race for European qualification while relishing the chance to influence the destiny of the title itself, goalkeeper Scott Bain has warned their top-six rivals.

The Bairns entertain Rangers on Sunday in the first game since securing the final place in the top half of the table as the Scottish Premiership prepares to split for the final five games.

"I've had that before at Dundee where we reached the top six and then I don't think we won a game in the top six," Bain recalled.

"It was a bit like 'we've done it' and you take a deep breath and then before you know it, you've lost every game.

"It's such an interesting season, it's such an interesting title race, so for us to be a part of that, that will be a bit of a motivation for us going into these games, that we can have a big say in these games and they're not just dead rubbers.

"The aim is top six and then, once you get top six, the aim is fifth, so it keeps us on our toes and I think that'll help us to keep going.

"It's really open from six all the way up to fifth and fourth.

"We've overachieved to reach this point, so we can also play with a little bit of freedom now.

"I think there were a couple of games before securing top six where we were maybe a wee bit nervous or a wee bit not right because of that leaning over us.

"So I think we'll have a little bit of freedom going into the games and anything that we do from here on out is really, really amazing."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's visit of Rangers.

Here are the main points:

• McGlynn "doesn't want to lose enthusiasm" after his side secured top six last weekend and insists they are focused on catching the teams above them in the split - that's their "new challenge".

• When they meet in the split, McGlynn suggests Hibs, who are currently the team above them, will "want to try and get us back" after the Bairns won 4-1 back in January.

• The Falkirk boss says "there's still a few dangly carrots" for his team this season, admitting "we want to try and get to a Scottish Cup final" which is a "vehicle for getting into Europe".

• He adds "we're used to going right to the end, hopefully it'll be no different this time."

• And while the Bairns boss knows "we will have a say in who wins the title", he stresses "it won't be down to anything other than trying to do the best for Falkirk".

• On Danny Rohl's impact at Rangers, McGlynn notes "from the minute he came in he's managed to win games and continuously win games" but the Falkirk manager knows "there's going to be twists and turns" before the end of the season.

• McGlynn acknowledges "we're setting records all the time" but stresses "we want to pick up even more points".

• The World Cup "might come too soon" for Barney Stewart and hopes if he keeps scoring goals that could "propel him into a Scotland squad" which would be "the icing on the cake".

• Team news: no fresh injury concerns before Sunday. Louie Marsh has been back at Sheffield United and it's "unlikely he'll play again this season".

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• Rangers' Djeidi Gassama has had more shots following carries (29) than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season, while he ranks second in the division for successful dribbles (53), behind Ibrahim Said's 57.

• Rangers have scored four goals in both of their last two league games, last doing so three games running in the league in December 2020 under Steven Gerrard.

• None of Falkirk's last eight home league games have been drawn, with the Bairns winning four and losing four since a goalless draw with Motherwell in December.

• Rangers have only lost one of their last 47 top-flight meetings with Falkirk (W38 D8), a 0-1 defeat in December 2006 under Paul Le Guen.

• Falkirk are unbeaten in their last four home league games against Rangers (W2 D2) since a 2-0 defeat in the Scottish Championship in August 2014.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Barney Stewart says any talk of a move away from Falkirk can wait until the end of the season.

March Scottish Premiership player of the month Stewart, who turned 22 on Tuesday, has scored 10 goals since returning to the club from Dunfermline Athletic, where he spent the first five months of the season on loan.

The striker scored eight goals for Dunfermline in the Championship and has found himself linked with clubs north and south of the border.

"The best thing to do is just to block it out until the end of the season," Stewart told BBC Scotland. "I don't even know what clubs have been speculated or what's been said or whatnot and I don't really care at this moment in time.

"Falkirk's done so much for me - brought me here, shown me love. The fans took me in from the first minute. It's easy to block out other clubs just because why else would I be looking elsewhere right now?"

Two years ago, Stewart was playing university football with Heriot Watt before being picked up by Falkirk manager John McGlynn. He says playing in last season's Championship with the Bairns gave him a great insight in to what was required to become a player at the top level of Scottish football.

"I definitely needed that period last season where I'm just getting introduced to the SPFL, even though it was the Championship," Stewart said. "I needed that sort of grace period where I just needed to get used to things, the speed of play, the speed of thought.

"And then, a bit more time in the Championship this season did a world of good for me. And then, finally made the step up to the Premiership and it's been great.

"It's obviously a very high standard but it seems to be working out alright. Not just the physicality, because it's very physical in the Championship as well, but I'd say it's just the speed of thought.

"One error and you've got top, top players against you that will catch you out. So, you've got to be really smart with how you play and you've got to be really focused for 90 minutes. You can't switch off because teams will punish you for that."

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

Almost two years to the day after finally ending five long, painful years in the doldrums of Scottish League One with a 7-1 triumph at Montrose, Falkirk have remarkably secured a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership.

From those dark days to where we are now, the turnaround has been astonishingly quick.

It has been an exceptional effort from everyone connected to the club.

We finally rubber-stamped our place in the top six and capped it off in style with what I would argue was our finest performance of the season at Fir Park.

The three points were richly deserved, and emerging victorious from such a difficult venue - not once, but twice this season - is a real feather in our cap.

It's also worth noting that five of the nine home goals Motherwell have conceded in the Premiership this season have come at the hands of Falkirk.

I think that I speak for all Bairns fans when I say it was particularly satisfying to clinch a top-six place on our own merit, without needing to rely on results elsewhere.

Saturday's victory also gives us plenty to look forward to as the top-flight season heads towards a thrilling climax.

The chance to play a part in the Scottish Premiership title race is a real bonus, and there is also our all-important Scottish Cup semi-final tie against Dunfermline to look forward to.

It was a day for celebration at Fir Park, and here's hoping there are more to come over the next six weeks or so.

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart discuss Falkirk's improvement throughout their Scottish Premiership return after Saturday's win at Motherwell confirmed their place in the top six.

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Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Raphael Sallinger (Hibernian)

Almost seems to get in by default at the moment because of another weekend lacking any outstanding goalkeeping performances. A couple of saves and a clean sheets means the Austrian gets the gloves again.

RB: Dujon Sterling (Rangers)

A solid performer at Ibrox and nabbed a goal in the vital 4-2 win over Dundee United.

CB: Luke Graham (Dundee)

A colossus at the back for the Dark Blues all afternoon. Unfortunate to be on the losing side.

CB: Alex Gogic (St Mirren)

Seldom a weekend goes by when this team of the week favourite doesn't find his way into the starting XI. His brilliant headed goal against Aberdeen and a clean sheet earns him another call-up.

LB: Jordan Obita (Hibernian)

Set up the goal for Felix Passlack after Owen Elding's pass unlocked the Kilmarnock defence. An effective presence down the Hibs left.

CM: Felix Passlack (Hibernian)

Another big goal for the former Borussia Dortmund man. The German has a knack for arriving in the box at just the right time.

CM: Stevie May (Livingston)

Once upon a time had the flowing locks and the killer touch of a goal machine number nine in his glorious St Johnstone era. These days he has refashioned himself into one of Livingston's most versatile players.

Age and injuries take their toll on all players but his precision finish and general clever play were fundamental for Livingston in their draw with Hearts.

FW: Owen Elding (Hibernian)

What a prospect he looks for Hibs. The 20-year-old who arrived from Sligo Rovers opened the scoring after 13 seconds against Kilmarnock and his pass to unlock the Killie defence for the Passlack goal was a measured thing of beauty.

FW: Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Powered in his headed goal and looked the part all afternoon against Livingston. Full of invention, poise and confidence. But, crucially, it's his killer instinct in the box that counts most.

With the national team struggling for goals, will he be Scotland's go-to man for the World Cup opener against Haiti?

FW: Claudio Braga (Hearts)

Player of the season? A joy to watch, every part of his game looks great right now. Never a doubt the goal would be scored when the chance came his way.

Could the partnership with Shankland be the key ingredient that gets the Hearts title tilt over the line? Earns extra points for me for his desire to stay on his feet in the box rather than look for a penalty.

FW: Calvin Miller (Falkirk)

A contender for the Scotland squad? The national team could do with a creative winger with pace and Calvin Miller has been providing that all season in the Premiership for Falkirk.

The stats add up as well, seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

Watch all the highlights as Falkirk edge past Motherwell.

We asked for your views on Falkirk's 3-2 win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Nathan: So, so, so proud of this team. You could tell right from the off that we were up for it and I feel John McGlynn schooled Jens Berthel Askou at his own game. We caused Motherwell problems right from the off with our whole squad putting in some magical performances to result in a top-six finish that we deserve.

Now we fasten our seatbelts for the final stretch of the season and maybe even make a Cup final as well.

Dougie: Thoroughly deserved victory in a fantastic season. To finish in the top six is a dream come true.

John: Falkirk played well, the first goal was very good. Motherwell seemed a bit off it, whereas Falkirk were in about them. A good game of football. Plaudits to the referee, he was not falling for the simulation.

David: A great way to secure top six. Delighted for the management team and all of the squad. Let's keep the momentum going to Hampden. There's an opportunity to make this the best season ever.

Alan: Another fine win for the Bairns away from home versus one of the top teams who have only lost at home twice. Both Falkirk and John McGlynn are different class, with players who were in League One only two years ago, well deserved.

Falkirk emphatically secured their place in the top half of the Scottish Premiership as Motherwell's long home unbeaten record - stretching back to October - was broken.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "It feels amazing [to secure top-six].

"It was a little struggle to get over the line but we certainly put on a great performance today. I'm so pleased and so proud of the players.

"We would never have thought we would have been just coming up from the Championship and having that quick step from League One into the Championship and then the Premiership. I can't speak highly enough of the players, they deserve to be there. I'm so proud of them and delighted for everyone at the football club.

"As much as we've been invincible and won the Championship, this is probably the greatest achievement. We've come into the top league and we've not just tried to defend and look for a point here and there. We play attractive, attacking football, in my opinion anyway, and we've come out in a top six position which is incredible. It means everything. Hopefully there is still more to come from us.

"I'm hoping he's [Calvin Miller] going to do his chances of going to the World Cup a benefit. He's at the top of his game, I'm delighted to have him. Hopefully he's strutting his stuff for us going forward.

"You can only compliment Barney [Stewart] as a striker. You want him in between the sticks and finishing and he's doing that. He wants to do well and he's certainly doing that.

"We'll try and catch the team above us, which will be Hibs, we've got to try. Challenges keep coming. If you manage to do one you've got to get the next one. We've still got so much to play for, the guys aren't going to be on the beach they've still got so much to play for.

"When it comes to these last five games we've still got a bit of a say in where the title will go, that'll keep us motivated right to the end."

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Motherwell have lost Callum Slattery to suspension, but Emmanuel Longelo returns from a ban.

Regan Charles-Cook remains out alongside Johnny Koutroumbis (calf), Callum Hendry (groin) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Falkirk welcome back Liam Henderson and Kyrell Wilson from injury, while Ben Parkinson and Ross MacIver are both back training and have an outside chance of being involved.

Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams (both thigh) are out.

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John McGlynn has urged Falkirk to secure a top-six spot under their own steam and then chase down Hibernian.

The Bairns, who visit Motherwell on Saturday, are six points clear of seventh-placed Dundee United and boast a superior goal difference with two games left until the split.

And manager McGlynn is also mindful of the opportunity to pursue Hibs - currently five points above them - in the race for fifth place and a potential European spot.

"We would obviously like to do it ourselves, and we've said that for a few weeks," he said.

"We want to go to Fir Park and at least get a point to make it secure.

"But at the same time, it throws up new challenges. How far will we be behind Hibs with six games to go?

"Then with five games to go, hopefully we're in the top six and then we want to try and chip away at that points gap that there is between ourselves and Hibs."

After Motherwell, Falkirk play Rangers in their final pre-split match. McGlynn is taking motivation from his side's previous results against the pair.

"We made 15 points in the first 11 games and we thought, 'well, if we can do that again, that would be good', so we did, we got to 30," said McGlynn.

"So the target (at the end of the pre-split fixtures) was 45, and at the minute, we've picked up 13, and we find ourselves at 43.

"In the first round of games, we beat Motherwell and we drew with Rangers at home, so if we were to do that again then we'd be sitting very nicely.

"We were the last team to win at Fir Park, so maybe lightning will strike twice and we'll go there and win. Motherwell have been magnificent, absolutely brilliant, so that's a big task but it's not impossible."

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John McGlynn hopes Falkirk will have two players in Scotland's World Cup squad as he backed winger Calvin Miller to emulate Scott Bain and make a late dash for inclusion.

Goalkeeper Bain became the first Bairns player to be capped since 2008 when he played the second half of Tuesday's friendly defeat by Ivory Coast in Liverpool.

The 34-year-old has a strong chance of making Steve Clarke's squad for the showpiece in America and McGlynn reckons 28-year-old Miller - one of the standout wingers in the Premiership this term - is also in the reckoning.

"We don't have too many wingers, so Calvin would give you a lot of options, because he can play either side and he's got great delivery," said manager McGlynn, who signed Miller from Morton in 2023.

"I'm sure he was in Steve Clarke's thoughts, because when you look about, we've not got an awful lot to change to. You're looking at Ben Gannon-Doak and then Findlay Curtis.

"So if you want to go with wingers, it's difficult [for Clarke]. A lot of the teams in Scotland play with wing-backs, so it's not like Steve's got loads of wingers to choose from.

"I think fans in general love to see wingers taking players on. Calvin's got great flair, great pace, he's got skill, he's what you pay to see, and now he's doing it at the top level."

Miller was loosely linked with Celtic in January and McGlynn is braced for interest this summer.

"As a football club we've not had any interest," he said. "There seemed to be some interest in January, but it was never between club to club.

"Would I expect it? I would actually expect it, yeah, but he's got another year on his contract, so we'll see what happens."

Another Falkirk player McGlynn feels can make an impact for the national team is Scotland Under-21 forward Barney Stewart, who has scored nine goals for the Bairns since returning from a loan stint at Dunfermline in January.

"I think Barney will [play for Scotland]," said McGlynn.

"I'm not suggesting he'll be in the World Cup squad, he's just broken on to the scene and he's hit the ground running, so the sky's the limit.

"In time we would love him to be involved in it, but Scotland have got options in there, so the World Cup might just come a little bit early for Barney.

"But I'd like to think if he continues to do well, he'll get an opportunity to go to a European Championship or a World Cup."

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• Barney Stewart has scored in each of Falkirk's past three league games; the last player to score in four successive top-flight appearances for the club was Anthony Stokes in November 2006.

• Falkirk have only won one of their past five league matches (D1 L3), picking up just four points; since the start of this time (14 February), only Aberdeen have fewer points in the Scottish Premiership (two).

• Motherwell are unbeaten in 12 home league games (W9 D3), conceding only one goal while keeping 11 clean sheets in this period. It's the fewest goals shipped by any side over a run of 12 home games in the Premiership since Rangers conceded one in 14 from August 2020 to February 2021.

• Falkirk have won their past two league visits to Motherwell, although these came over 15 years apart: 1-0 in April 2010 and 2-1 in October 2025.

• Motherwell have only won two of their past 13 league meetings with Falkirk (D5 L6), although both were at home in October 2008 (3-2) and October 2009 (1-0).