Thursday, April 18, 2024
SportScottish ChampionshipJames McDonaugh: 'Falkirk regulars should fear for their places after below-par performances'

James McDonaugh: ‘Falkirk regulars should fear for their places after below-par performances’

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FALKIRK number two James McDonaugh reckons first-team regulars would be right to fear for their places ahead of Saturday’s trip to Dumbarton.

The Bairns struggled to a 2-2 draw with Queen of the South last weekend that saw them stay in third in the Championship but slip eight points behind joint leaders Hibs and Dundee United.

It was a fifth game without defeat for Peter Houston’s men but, after their third draw in that run, McDonaugh has confessed it felt like a loss following a disappointing display.

(Pic: Gordon Whyte @geewho59)

And he admits that, with the likes of the fit-again Peter Grant, John Rankin, Bob McHugh and Tom Taiwo all amongst the substitutes against Queens, there could be some pressing hard for changes to be made this weekend.

McDonaugh said: “Queen of the South have got a good bunch of players but with the run they’ve been on and where we are in the league – and where we want to go – we were expecting a better performance and a better outcome.

“There were a few discussions at half-time. Everybody’s aware it’s not good enough.

“We’ve got an honest bunch of players and they know when they’re not doing well enough. Sometimes when we point it out it’s just emphasising what they already know.

“But we need to do that, we need to address the issues and get better.

“We’ve got a decent squad of players and the ones who aren’t starting will certainly be pushing to ask questions when they get a chance.

“It’s the case that if you’re in possession of the jersey then you’ll keep it if you’re doing well.

“If you’ve maybe had a couple of bad games then you’re putting yourself under pressure.

“The competition for places will be hotting up now a wee bit.”

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