Zerara agrees deal with Falkirk

FALKIRK were last night awaiting international clearance to complete the signing of French midfielder Toufik Zerara. The 23-year-old of Algerian origin has agreed a short-term deal until the January transfer window after a two-week trial.

The former Sochaux youth player is a free agent after a season with Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates and joins former 1million West Brom signing Pele and the returning Pedro Moutinho in joining the club outwith the transfer window. Zerera, a former France under-20 internationalist, could make his debut for Falkirk in tomorrow's encounter with Hibs if the paperwork, which was lodged with the authorities on Tuesday, is completed in time.

Meanwhile, Moutinho has spoken of his unique relationship with former Falkirk manager John Hughes.

He said: "I had a 'unique' relationship with John. In fact, someone once said we were like husband and wife – one minute we're loving each other, the next we're fighting."