Falkirk set Hibs target as Bairns play with house money in quest to claim European position
Falkirk have had an impressive season under John McGlynn.
Brad Spencer insists Falkirk have Hibs in their sights - as the Bairns target emerging as European hopefuls in the post-split shake-up.
Heading into the weekend’s fixture card where John McGlynn’s side host Rangers and David Gray’s take on Aberdeen, the Grangemouth side were cemented in the top six, and five points off Hibs. An increase or decrease on those totals could determine how likely their ambitions are, but speaking pre-match, midfielder Spencer sees no reason why Falkirk can’t chase down moving further up the table.
It’s been a dream campaign for McGlynn and co, who have already capped off back-to-back title wins with a Scottish Cup semi-final spot later this month. But speaking midweek as Falkirk had a five-point gap to make up, prior to Hibs’ loss at at Aberdeen, the midfielder had hopes of the top five. There could also be impacts made on the title race with Rangers at home twice on top of trips to Celtic and Hearts.
Could Falkirk finish above Hibs?
When asked if the Bairns could have a say in the title race, thoughts quickly turned to those above them. Spencer said: “Yeah, we all will. Motherwell and Hibs also. It is exciting to be part of, a whole lot better than fighting for our lives at the bottom. There is no pressure on us.
“Well, there isn’t and there is because we want to push Hibs and maybe nick fifth. But we can go out and play with that extra bit of freedom, though obviously with the aim of winning games and finishing as high as we can. The manager will have us up for everything. We watch videos for pre-season friendlies! He is always up for it regardless. But no, we don’t want to be the team that just lies down to anybody to let them win the title.”
When asked if fifth was a true possibility for Falkirk, Spencer added: “It is. The gap is not massive. If we had not dropped points against St Mirren it would be a wee bit closer but there is no reason, we can’t push Hibs for that fifth spot and we will do our best to get it. The pressures of going for a title are a lot different, we had them for two years.
Falkirk on facing Rangers
“Going invincible was special, winning the Championship was as well but to succeed in the top league, especially this year when a lot of the teams had spent a lot of money. This would be the icing on the cake. Rangers have got a lot of momentum. They are grinding out results. Whether people say they may not play the most attractive football, you cannot knock the job that Danny Rohl has done there.
“They have only lost one league game since he came in which is phenomenal. They are tough, they are a big side and they are a physical side. Maybe the most physical of the three title contenders. Good side full of internationals so it will be a tough, tough, game.
“I think we were good in the 1-1 draw and maybe deserved a wee bit more out of the game, considering I didn’t think their lead at half time was deserved. “They are a lot different now. At the time wee Mikey Moore was on the fringes and now he is kind of running the show. “It will be tough, but we will be up for it.”