Falkirk manager John McGlynn said he was “proud” of Falkirk’s “outstanding performance” against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic despite his side narrowly losing on Wednesday night.
The Bairns dominated Martin O’Neill’s team for large spells of the first half but went in behind when Benjamin Nygren nodded home from a corner kick. And the hosts were unable to find an equaliser after the interval against a below-par Celtic side, who were labelled ‘second best’ by their interim boss following the 1-0 away victory.
Manchester United loanee Ethan Williams believed he had pulled Falkirk level with nine minutes to go – but the substitute was left stunned when his low effort from close range was somehow booted clear by Danish international Kasper Schmeichel.
Schmeichel’s outstanding save secured Celtic all three points.
“I thought we were going to equalise,” McGlynn admitted.” “Kasper Schmeichel has made an amazing save, I was just waiting on the ball hitting the back of the net. He’s been criticised for some goals recently but he earned Celtic their three points tonight.”
Reflecting on his team’s display, McGlynn pointed to the clear chances Falkirk had to go ahead: “Nevermind a Falkirk fan, I think any neutral watching that game would have felt that Falkirk deserved to take something from the match. I thought we were the better team in the first half and created some really good opportunities. I was gutted that we came a goal down at half time. But it was a wicked ball in from the corner kick and Arne Engles has been doing that all season long. I watched one of Celtic’s European games earlier in the season and his delivery was amazing.”
“It was disappointing to go in a goal down because of the good chances that we created. There was a great ball in that now looks like Finn Yeats should have stuck his head on it but he elected to try and use his foot high up. It was there to be headed and it could have put us in front at that time. It could have been so different… but I am very proud of my team for putting on such an outstanding performance. We’ve played against Celtic many times and I cannot remember my goalkeeper being so quiet. Scott Bain has had very little to do and that is unusual. Usually the goalkeeper is having to make save after save to keep the score down.”
Falkirk boss McGlynn praises full-back duo
McGlynn also singled out his full-backs for special mention, with both Leon McCann and Filip Lissah continuing their strong form. The latter, currently on loan from Swansea City, once again caught the eye for Falkirk, dominating from right back and comfortably containing £5 million-rated winger Sebastian Tounekti.
“We had some really strong performances,” he said. “Both of our full-backs took care of their wingers. Filip has Tounekti very quiet and on the other side, Leon has dealt very well with (Hyun-jun) Yang. Finn Yeats took care of Callum MacGregor to some extent – he wasn’t as influential on the game as he would normally be. I am gutted for the guys but they can take a lot of confidence from that.
“Barney Stewart thirteen-odd months ago was playing for Heriot-Watt University and now he’s playing out there against the champions Celtic. What will he be like in three or four months time… He’s getting that experience even if he didn’t take his chances, he just needs to keep getting in there and going for it. They will hit the back of the net soon. Kyrell’s (Wilson) pace was frightening and he caused Kieran Tierney problems.”
The Falkirk boss also confirmed that, unless any fresh injuries occur, the Bairns are unlikely to make further signings during the January transfer window, with the expectation that a couple of players will instead depart on loan.