Farid El Alagui wants more than just memories

FARID El Alagui admits he is desperate to leave behind more than memories if he departs Falkirk at the end of a remarkable season.

The 27-year-old took his tally to 25 goals with Saturday’s strike against Livingston but has his eye on a bigger prize in Sunday’s Ramsdens Cup final against Hamilton Accies.

The Moroccan is out of contract in the summer and is fully expected to move on with his reputation enhanced by a prolific stay in Scottish football.

And the bustling forward would love to help the Bairns to scoop a trophy as a “thank you” to the club and its fans for an unforgettable year.

He said: “Everybody keeps asking me what the future holds, but, to be honest, I have planned nothing. In football I never plan anything because one day it’s sad and the next day it’s the opposite. For the moment, I just need to stay focused until the end of the season and when something comes up I will see.

“When you come to a place where you know nobody and people are friendly with you and come to speak with you and when you have a little problem or something and all the time there is somebody there for you, that is what makes the club special. With the fans, you can see every weekend, even when you don’t play well, they are still behind you.

“I have scored 25 goals and I am pleased to give them that. When they are nice with you and friendly with you, you just want to give them something. So, I am really happy to give them 25 goals and I would love to give them an important goal on Sunday as well.

“I will keep a souvenir from the game if we win, but I don’t know if it will be the medal because I will definitely leave something here, for people to remember.”

Sunday will be El Alagui’s first cup final of a career that has been spent down the leagues in France and with Wydad Casablanca in Morocco.

The Bairns also beat Rangers and Dundee United on their way to a Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against Celtic, and the Bordeaux-born player added: “It has definitely been a great season for me. I have played in some incredible games – against Rangers, Dundee United and Celtic, and with the final to come on Sunday.”