Falkirk win race to sign East Fife striker Nathan Austin

Nathan Austin has been in fine form for East Fife. Picture: Alan Murray

The 21-year-old has been linked with possible moves to Aberdeen, Motherwell and Dundee following a string of impressive showings for the Fifers.

A swashbuckling display against Motherwell in the League Cup back in August, during which he scored in a 3-1 defeat, helped spark full-time interest in the Hertfordshire-born player.

However, Falkirk have won the chase for Austin, who has scored 16 times in 25 appearances this season and will spend the remainder of the season back at East Fife on loan as part of the agreement, which included an undisclosed fee.

Falkirk manager Peter Houston said: “Nathan is a young, promising player who has an eye for goal.

“He’s a player we’re pleased to sign and is very much a large part of our plans for the future.”

Meanwhile, Lee Miller insists Houston agreeing a new two-year deal has given the squad a timely fillip ahead of tomorrow’s key encounter with Hibs.

The striker said: “It’s a massive boost for the players. It’s a confidence thing, because obviously he’s looking to the future and he wants to be a part of Falkirk going forward.”

Miller still feels that Falkirk’s title challenge is not being treated seriously.

He added: “I do think we’re still under the radar. We’re in second position but we’ve not really been talked about. It would put a massive marker down if we were to beat Hibs.”