Thursday, March 28, 2024
SportScottish ChampionshipFalkirk set to welcome back ex-Burnley & Bolton Wanderers youngster in time...

Falkirk set to welcome back ex-Burnley & Bolton Wanderers youngster in time for Premiership play-offs

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FALKIRK are set to welcome former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers youngster Joe McKee back in time for their promotion play-off bid.

The 24-year-old was signed in January after a frustrating spell with Carlisle United but has played just one game because of injury.

The ex-Morton midfielder picked up a foot injury after his debut against Dunfermline on February 4 and then turned his ankle in an under-20s game, but is finally close to a comeback after training this week.

(PIc: Gordon Whyte @geewho59)

The news is perfect timing as the Bairns seek to clinch second spot and go one better than last year’s play-off final defeat to Kilmarnock.

Manager Peter Houston said: “Joe’s coming back from injury and has trained with us this week.

“The good thing is Joe should be ready in the next 10 days, I think, to be fit enough for the first team.

“He’ll be short of match practice but he was actually short of match practice when we brought him here and he made a great impact against Dunfermline.

“That’ll give us competition for central midfield places.”

DROP

Meanwhile, Houston insists Robbie Thomson will remain his number one during the run-in – as long as he keeps performing well.

The former Cowdenbeath and Queen of the South keeper has deputised for on-loan Aberdeen goalie Danny Rogers in recent weeks, playing the last four matches.

However, even though Rogers has shaken off a pelvic problem and was on the bench for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with St Mirren, Thomson will retain the jersey.

Houston added: “I spoke to Danny. He’s back fit again and declared fit to play, but Robbie has done that well.

“I don’t drop the players, the players drop themselves, and I certainly couldn’t dislodge Robbie, the way he’s been playing.

“Danny has been sensational for us but I felt the right thing was to keep Robbie in and he made a great save at 1-0 early in the game on Saturday.

“Robbie has done enough to stay in the team.”

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