Falkirk

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Falkirk defender Leon McCann admits 2025 delivered the highest and lowest moments of his life, but he is now approaching the new year with major optimism on and off the pitch.

McCann's son, Brooks, was born profoundly deaf in March but tests have shown he could be able to hear when fitted with implants.

McCann, 25, said: "Everything's going great. We think by probably March time, we're hoping that he'll have had his operation for his implants and then they do a month of silence, they call it, before they turn the implants on.

"We're hoping that obviously opens a full new journey for us, for him and ourselves, that we'll be kind of going back to the start again. So I'm buzzing for that day.

"It's been a whirlwind of a year. Obviously the best thing that happened in my life was my son being born and then finding out that he was deaf was probably the lowest day of my life.

"And then on the pitch obviously you do well and you win a league.

"So it's been a whirlwind of a year, plenty of ups and downs. Now we're on the up again and we're just hoping that once this operation takes place and hopefully he can hear, then we'll be starting our own fresh journey and navigating him through life, being able to hear this time."

McCann and partner Morgan have raised thousands of pounds to help other deaf children through their B Heard charity.

"The charity has been great," he said. "The help of the fans has been unbelievable. It's been bigger than we ever thought it could be. We've managed to help out 15 families or something already. Our goal was just to help one."

And on the pitch, McCann is glad to be proving he can cut it in the Premiership with the Bairns, who could move back into the top six with victory at Dundee on Saturday.

"I always believed that I could play at this level," the former Airdrie left-back said. "I just needed to back it up and prove to people who probably thought I couldn't.

"I feel like it's not been that major step up. Obviously you do get select players that you go, wow, they are top, top players.

"But it's more just a fitness thing as well. For the past couple of years we've been used to keeping the ball off teams and letting them try to get it back.

"Now it's a wee bit different. We're not getting the ball as much and you're having to try and work hard to get the ball back and things like that. So you realise the fitness level is a step up."

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Dundee have doubts over skipper Simon Murray and vice-captain Finlay Robertson because of knee knocks but Ryan Astley and Ethan Hamilton return.

Falkirk hope Brian Graham will recover from a knee knock in time to feature while Coll Donaldson, Aidan Nesbitt and Keelan Adams are fully in contention.

Gary Oliver (hamstring), Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle) and Tom Lang (foot) are all due to return in January.

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• This will be Falkirk's first away game against Dundee in the top flight since December 1992, when they lost 2-1 under Jim Jefferies.

• Having already beaten Livingston 3-2 in September of this season, Dundee could win at home to two different newly-promoted sides in the same top-flight season for the first time since 2000-01 (3-0 v Dunfermline, 5-0 v St Mirren).

• Dundee have only won one of their past nine Scottish Premiership matches (D1 L7), failing to keep a clean sheet in each outing. On home soil, however, they have only lost two of their past six league games (W3 D1).

• Falkirk have kept a clean sheet in four of their past six Scottish Premiership games, including one in a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock last time out. This is as many clean sheets as they had kept in their previous 28 games in the top-flight (4).

• Dundee's Cameron Congreve has the most goal involvements of any player aged 21 or younger in the Premiership this season (7 – 1 goal, 6 assists), while he is the outright leader for assists (6) in the division.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn confirms that striker Barney Stewart will return in January after scoring seven goals in 11 games on loan at Dunfermline Athletic. (Falkirk Herald), external

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

I think it's fair to say that our 1-0 win away at Kilmarnock on Saturday wasn't exactly a thing of beauty - but you know what? It was enjoyable.

Scrappy at times, nervy at others, but ultimately another vital three points.

Forget any talk of the wheels coming off after back-to-back defeats and four games without a goal - Saturday's success showed once again that the resilience which has carried us this far is very much alive and kicking.

Two recent losses didn't leave us downbeat. We were disciplined, focused and worthy winners in the end. And the best part? That grit and determination revealed a different side to our game - one that bodes well for the second half of the season.

We rolled up our sleeves, dug in and earned a valuable victory at a venue that has haunted us for years - play-off heartbreak, a top-flight relegation, and all the bad memories that comes with it. By the final whistle though, Rugby Park didn't feel so cursed anymore.

More of the same against Dundee at Dens Park this Saturday would be the perfect way to cap off what has been a truly special year for everyone connected with the club.

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John McGlynn is confident Brian Graham will shrug off a knee problem as the Falkirk striker bids to continue his scoring form at Dundee on Saturday.

The 38-year-old is nursing a knock after netting the only goal against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

That took Graham's tally to three goals in his past six games and five strikes overall since joining from Partick Thistle in the summer.

"Brian Graham has picked up a little bit of a knee injury. At this stage, I don't think it's going to cause him any bother for the weekend, but it's very early," said manager McGlynn.

"At his age, he's still scoring goals in the Premiership. He's coming to the tail end of his career, of course, everyone knows that. He wanted to finish at the top and I'm pleased for him.

"He's still got that knack of getting in the right place at the right time.

"He scores a really, really good goal against Dundee United, gets in behind, takes it round the goalkeeper and sticks it away.

"He scored a header against St Mirren, a really good bullet header. He scored a penalty.

"Then on Saturday, he's in between the posts where you want your striker. It's a number nine's goal. It's not the most exciting goal, but it's being in the right place at the right time."

Graham has helped Falkirk deal with the loss of Ross MacIver and Gary Oliver to injury but both are due back in January, while Barney Stewart looks set to be recalled from a loan spell after hitting seven goals in nine games.

"Potentially Barney will probably come back from Dunfermline," McGlynn said.

"Gary's going to come back. Ross MacIver's going to come back. So we're going to have loads and loads of competition up there.

"Brian's done really, really well. But prior to that, Ross MacIver was doing very well."

Updating on other team news for the Dens Park trip, McGlynn said: "Everyone else has come through unscathed. We had Aidan Nesbitt and Coll Donaldson in the stand so our squad is strong.

"Keelan Adams will be fit for this game at the weekend. He's missed the last two or three games so it'll be good to get him back."

Sportscene pundit Neil McCann praises John McGlynn and his Falkirk side after victory in a "huge game" against Kilmarnock.

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock lose 1-0 against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Falkirk's 1-0 win against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Nathan: Was worried that it may have been a case of deja vu at half time but we managed to dig deep get stuck in and Brian Graham gets a poachers goal. Can't fault the effort from the players who all worked hard to get a huge three points.

David: Great three points on the road, in a six-pointer against Kilmarnock. We were set up in workman-mode looking to counter on the break. Credit must go to the squad for another clean sheet.

To a man they all did what was asked of them leaving nothing on the pitch. John McGlynn got his set-up and substitutes spot on. The work ethic and the players playing for the manager is clearly evident in every match. Onwards to Dundee away next Saturday and another six-pointer!

Dan: McGlynn is a workaholic, master tactician and prepares the Bairns meticulously for every game.

Kevin: Every Falkirk player should take a bow for their performance, the effort they put in from front to back was sensational.

Was a hard choice to pick my man of the match but I give it to Graham, proved he can still cut it with the best of the bunch magnificent holding the ball up and his link up play was top drawer, well done Bairns.

Ian: Not pretty to watch, but we dug in and got the three points, showed how tight knit and together the squad is.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Match winner Brian Graham insists Falkirk will continue to keep their feet on the ground after his second-half finish proved decisive in the 1-0 win away to Kilmarnock.

The 38-year-old played the entirety of the match for the first time in the Scottish Premiership this season as John McGlynn's side ended a four-game run without a goal to win their first match in five.

"I know there was a lot of noise about it [the lack of goals], but in one of those games, it was a 0-0 at Ibrox," Graham explained.

"People forget things like that. We knew coming off the back of two really difficult ties against the Edinburgh sides that this was a game we wanted three points from.

"We've got goals in our team and it's all over the pitch. We didn't let that affect us over the last couple of games and we knew coming here today that we wanted the three points and we've managed to do that.

"To go and get, I think it was 97 minutes today, at 38, I'm just over the moon."

Victory over Kilmarnock means Falkirk have already earned 24 points a game short of halfway in their league campaign.

"A team coming up from the Championship, maybe a lot of people don't expect you to be on 24 points before Christmas," said Graham.

"I've seen it from day one how vibrant the place was and I'm really enjoying playing with these younger players. It's keeping me buzzing.

"I've obviously worked with the manager before and he brought me to the club for a reason to come and help the team.

"Did I think I would play every week? No, I didn't. Have I played every week? No, I haven't. But, at the same time, I've contributed massively over the course of this short period of time that I've been here and I'll continue to do that to the end of the season.

"We're in a good place right now, but again, as the gaffer reiterated, it's only three points today. We've got another massive game away to Dundee next week. Keep our feet firmly on the ground and keep moving forward."

Brian Graham's second-half strike ended Falkirk's four-game goal drought and gave them a precious victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

How vital was that victory? How pleasing was Falkirk's display?

Have your say.

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Falkirk manager John McGylnn: "The dogged determination to win the game and the spirit the players showed. We had to put our bodies on the line.

"Kilmarnock threw everything at us. Once we got in front they put us under pressure a lot.

"The determination from the whole team to defend. We weren't quite right in the first half, but second we were.

"Delighted for big Brian to get the goal after good play in the build up. It's a huge win. I can only complement the players and once again they've delivered.

"A clean sheet and the winning goal."

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Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson returns from suspension while interim boss Kris Doolan has a couple of unnamed doubts.

Max Stryjek (heart), Kyle Magennis (knee), Jamie Brandon (ankle/groin), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) remain out.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn has an unnamed player doubtful with illness. Coll Donaldson and Aidan Nesbitt played 70 minutes as overage players in an Under-19s game in midweek and are close to returning.

Keelan Adams (groin), Gary Oliver (hamstring), Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle) and Tom Lang (foot) remain out.

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Alfredo Agyeman is enjoying his "rollercoaster" career as he looks to "go even further" than Falkirk.

The 25-year-old joined Motherwell's academy in 2018 before spells at East Kilbride, Queen's Park, Broomhill and Kelty Hearts led to a move to Falkirk in 2023.

The forward helped the Bairns to successive promotions and has been a key member of John McGlynn's side, who sit seventh in the top-flight table before Saturday's visit to managerless Kilmarnock.

"I wanted to push myself from the very beginning as a young player," he said.

"And then to get here, it's a good achievement, but then you want to make sure you stay or you can go even further.

"It's been a rollercoaster for myself in terms of I have been a bit up and down with the leagues.

"I was in the lower league and then got a move to Kelty Hearts.

"And then, of course it's quite difficult, you don't know the players as much, but then I got an opportunity from the gaffer and then you always want to make sure you don't disappoint, don't let them down.

"It's been a good season. Of course, it's been difficult.

"There's going to be a lot of games that you can win, of course, win and lose. But it's been good and I am enjoying it.

"You always kind of push yourself to have a high expectation.

"But at the same time, it's always going to be difficult in terms of the budget and players you compete against, some of them playing European football and even going to World Cups and stuff like that.

"So it's not going to be easy, but definitely happy with it."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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John McGlynn has sympathised with sacked Stuart Kettlewell as the Falkirk boss bids to extend Kilmarnock's winless streak.

McGlynn's side travel to face Kilmarnock on Saturday, who parted company with Kettlewell on Monday after 10 games without victory.

"They lost a lot of players in the summer - a hell of a lot of good players. It's very difficult because, by all accounts, there were budget cuts, so you're not able to bring in the same quality," said McGlynn.

"A lot of the time players will punch above their weight, and it's very difficult to keep them because they can get more money elsewhere. I know it's not all about money, but money talks.

"Derek McInnes left and players who were out of contract moved on. Stuart's then got to come in and pick up the pieces and that can be really, really difficult. He's a great football guy so you have a lot of sympathy."

Seventh-place Falkirk are without a win or a goal in their past four matches, but McGlynn says they must "hang in there" to avoid sliding further down the table.

"We've stepped up levels," he said. "In the last two weeks we've played Rangers, Motherwell, Hearts and Hibs - four teams in the top six.

"We are top of our mini-league, and aim to stay there - which is going to be some feat because Dundee United won last night and put themselves right behind us.

"You'd expect St Mirren to kick on because they've won the cup and will get a boost from that. We've just got to hang in there.

"There's not much in it, so we've got to make sure we're picking up points and staying away from there. You don't want to get dragged into that."

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• Kilmarnock have only won one of their past six top-flight meetings with Falkirk (D3 L2), a 1-0 triumph in February 2010 under Jimmy Calderwood.

• This will be Falkirk's first top-flight away game at Kilmarnock since a goalless draw in May 2010; the Bairns are unbeaten in three such trips (W1 D2) since a 3-0 defeat in April 2009.

• Kilmarnock won none of their final 10 league games under Stuart Kettlewell (D2 L8). This will be Kris Doolan's first league game in interim charge; none of the past seven managers to take charge of Killie in the Scottish Premiership (including caretakers) won their first game with them in the competition (D3 L4), with Paul McDonald the last to do so in October 2017 (2-0 v Partick Thistle).

• Falkirk have failed to score in their past four league games, attempting 33 shots with an expected goals tally of 2.2 without success in this run. The Bairns have lost their latest two, last losing three in a row without scoring in the top flight in April 2009 – when the third defeat was away to Kilmarnock.

• Only Rangers (15) have had more different scorers (excluding own goals) in the Premiership this season than both Falkirk (11) and Kilmarnock (10).

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

Despite all our success over the past two seasons, it's fair to say we've never really had a reliable number nine.

That hasn't held us back though - it's always been a team effort, with goals coming from all over the park. That approach has worked again this season and hadn't been an issue... until recently.

The 2-0 home loss to Hearts means we've now gone four matches without scoring - a run stretching back to our 3-0 win at Tannadice last month.

For context, we've faced an extremely tough schedule since then, playing four of the current top five, and have still picked up some positive results, including draws against Rangers and Motherwell.

Chances are being created and the workrate is there, but the absence of a genuine striker has been glaring in tight games - and it has cost us points.

Brian Graham fits the profile, but his minutes need to be managed given he is in the twilight of his career.

Throwing Barney Stewart straight into a starting role next month would carry some risk, though he could certainly return and strengthen the squad given his scoring form at Dunfermline.

Injuries haven't helped either. Key players have spent time on the sidelines, forcing John McGlynn to piece together makeshift solutions in both defence and attack.

A few players are being asked to fill roles that don't suit them, and while their effort is admirable, the instinct and sharpness needed inside the box just isn't there.

More firepower has to be a priority in January, ideally through the addition of a striker capable of finishing chances and with experience of leading the line at this level.

It may also be time to move on some out-of-favour players to give the squad the cutting edge it's been missing.

Watch Sportscene's Steven Thompson and Stephen Craigan discuss Falkirk's lack of goals after their 2-0 home defeat by Hearts.

Watch all the highlights as Hearts extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to six points with a win over Falkirk.

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We asked for your thoughts after Falkirk's 2-0 defeat at home to Hearts.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Nathan: Firstly I'll get rid of the elephant in the room, I couldn't tell from where I was sat in the stand but after looking back at it I have a failure to understand how we didn't get a penalty for what is a goal line block with a hand in the first half. Four games without a goal does strike an alarm bell, it's clear how much we miss Ross MacIver not just for his goals but for his hold up play as well, decision-making when we did get the ball into the final areas was just not there. The past two games we have simply not been at the standard I know we are capable of and it now sets up what I think are two must win games against Killie and Dundee.

Gordon: The handball by the defender on the goal line is a penalty and it changes the game. However that's four games in a row we have been unable to link up front and that's the big concern.

Goals from Claudio Braga and Stephen Kingsley gave Hearts a precious victory over Falkirk in atrocious conditions as the Scottish Premiership leaders stretched six points clear of Celtic.

What did you make of Falkirk's performance?

Have your say.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "The key moments are the goals. The game's hardly started and we're a goal down.

"We did really well to stay in the game and worked hard. The moment for us is when Kyrell [Wilson] goes round the goalkeeper. If he scores that, it's level and we get a massive lift from that and it puts pressure on Hearts.

"We probably didn't do enough in the second half. We got into some good positions in the wide areas but our crossing wasn't great. So, quality in the final third is what I'm frustrated at."

On Harry Milne's block with his arm from Wilson's shot, McGlynn accepts it was not a penalty.

"I haven't seen it, but that seems to be the verdict I'm getting from everyone else," he said. "So fair play."

On going four games without a goal, McGlynn added: "The four games are the four teams above us in the league, who are vying for the league.

"The key games for us at the next two. We go to Kilmarnock and Dundee, these are the games we have to go and score goals and pick up points to keep ourselves in the same area of the league."

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn expects to have an unchanged squad. Keelan Adams (groin), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Aidan Nesbitt (foot), Gary Oliver (hamstring), Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle) and Tom Lang (foot) are all set to miss out again.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes reported no fresh injury concerns. Midfielders Beni Baningime, Calem Nieuwenhof, Finlay Pollock and Ageu all remain sidelined with hamstring issues.