Steven Pressley says he will focus on Falkirk

Steven Pressley last night insisted being pipped at the post for the Dundee United job has not distracted him from his work in trying to bring success to Falkirk.

The former Scotland coach emerged as favourite to succeed Peter Houston at Tannadice last weekend but the 39-year-old was overlooked in favour of Partick Thistle rival Jackie McNamara.

Having also been linked with the Huddersfield Town job this week, and with Burnley in the past, Pressley is adamant he will not have his head turned by the attentions of other clubs.

He said: “There was interest from Dundee United but I have remained fully focused on my job in hand at Falkirk and will continue to do so.”

Pressley is preparing for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup tie with Second Division Forfar and is eager to avoid complacency.

He added: “If you look south of the border last weekend, the FA Cup was full of giant-killing acts and we do not want to be 
involved in anything like that.

“That should be a big enough warning to us how tough a tie this will be. I know in terms of finances it would be great for the club to get to the quarter-finals.

“But, for me, it’s for the progression of the team and the supporters that I want to get through.”