Yogi hails his teen talent after fine win over Hearts

Published on Tuesday 6 May 2008 10:23

FALKIRK manager John Hughes paid tribute to his youthful batch of rising stars in the wake of last night's impressive performance by the Bairns against Hearts, writes ALAN FAIRLEY.

"We had three 19-year-olds out there," said Yogi. "Christopher Mitchell, Tom Scobbie and Scott Arfield, in addition to Darren Barr who's not that much older. They were all superb and it's very pleasing for me to see young players come through the system.

"Tom, Darren and Scott are already established first team players but it was a great debut from young Mitchell. I have a few youngsters on the verge of a breakthrough and Christopher is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch." Despite last night's victory, Hughes still feels that Hearts, who are two points ahead of the Bairns with two fixtures remaining, are favourites to claim seventh spot in the SPL.

"Hearts are a very good side" he said, " and we had to work very hard to beat them.

"I asked the players for a performance and that's what they gave me. It was a good, passing display, the way we like to play the game and our ground staff have been working hard to get the surface as slick a possible.

"It's always good to score goals and win games but Hearts still look good for a seventh-place finish. They've had a disappointing season and they'll be determined to come out as the top club in the bottom six.