Jay Fulton is ready to step out of dad’s shadow with cup glory story all of his own

The famous footballing Fulton family could become a little more distinguished tomorrow if 17 year-old midfielder Jay helps Falkirk into the Scottish Communities League Cup final. He is one of three brothers at the club, although the only one with a chance of playing tomorrow against Celtic, father Steve’s old team.

Dale is currently out on loan with Clyde while Tyler plays for the Under 17 side. Jay, meanwhile, has made 23 appearances for the first-team this season, following Falkirk’s decision to rely even more heavily on youth. “I saw all the players leaving [last summer] and expected to be round about the team,” he said yesterday. “But I have come in and started loads of games and made much more appearances than I had expected.”

His father, currently a coach at Falkirk, has watched on with pride. Unforgettably, Fulton senior was saddled with expectation by then Celtic manager Billy McNeill, who likened the midfielder to Roberto Baggio, the Italian World Cup star, when he was breaking into the team at Parkhead.

It didn’t help his development, but Fulton still went on to enjoy a decent career at a variety of clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, Falkirk and Hearts. At Tynecastle he was a member of the side who defeated Rangers at Celtic Park to lift the Scottish Cup in 1998. It was the first time in more than 40 years that this particular trophy had returned to Tynecastle. The scenes of joy over that weekend, both in Glasgow and in Gorgie, are memorable, though not quite memorable enough for a four-year-old to recall. Jay did, however, make it on to the pitch at Celtic Park that day, along with his brothers.

“I have just got pictures of it, that’s all I can remember,” he said. “I was on the park at the end of the game. My dad brought me and my brothers on, so I have pictures from that and afterwards, on the open-topped bus.

“He never really talks about his career,” added Jay. “He just concentrates on me and my brothers. It’s just about us rather than himself.

“Sometimes I ask about it [his career], and I can ask about certain situations he want through and he can give me advice.”

Jay was released by Hearts at Under-15 level and joined his brothers at Falkirk. People say he has pushed Dale out of the team this season, but, he said, “we are both happy for each other, and if either one of us is doing well”. Asked to describe the styles of the brothers, Jay replied that he and Dale are most like his father. “We like to get on the ball and pass it,” he said. “My wee brother [Tyler] is a wee bit different. He is a centre-half. He likes to tackle people.”

As for his father’s Celtic connections, his son is adamant: “There is no divided loyalty, he is fully behind Falkirk.”