Bairns host bounce match with Dundee United after Tunnock’s Challenge Cup exit
The Bairns, the tournament record-holders, lost at Raith Rovers to exit the competition after Ray McKinnon made seven changes to his first-team pool in Kirkcaldy.
But those fringe players were given another opportunity today in a closed doors friendly with Dundee United at The Falkirk Stadium.
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Hide Ad“The break’s probably not come at a great time for us. The boys are raring to go and we are disappointed that we’re not in the cup,” the boss said.
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He added: “We’re going to get a game into them for the guys who haven’t been playing and it’s difficult to find match fitness for them because of the lack of reserve games and a reserve team – so a bounce game is a good opportunity.
“Then it’ll be back in training next week solid for the two home games coming up with Peterhead and Clyde.
“Some of them haven’t played for a while and it’s hard for them to find match fitness so we arranged a game for them to give them the fitness opportunity and the chance to show what they’ve got – they need that as well.”
It has however come at a good time for Louis Longridge and a few others who are recovering from niggles.
The former Hamilton forward has been ill, while Charlie Telfer’s ankle has swollen again and Morgaro Gomis has a toe problem.
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McKinnon added: “Anyone who has niggles can maybe do with a rest to recover and it’ll do good for guys like Gregor Buchanan who have played every game. It’s a break and we’ll make the most of it and allow the other guys a game to get a run out.”
The defeat last month meant Falkirk missed out on a visit from Glenavon who instead head to Raith Rovers on Saturday while another side from across the Irish sea – Waterford – are in the district and play Stenhousemuir at Ochilview tomorrow night.
Kick off 7.35pm.