STEPHEN FRAIL stressed today that Falkirk, like Hearts, can consider themselves unfortunate not be playing top-six fixtures during the closing weeks of the season.
John Hughes welcomes Frail's side to the Falkirk Stadium this evening for a low-key affair after both clubs narrowly failed to finish in the SPL's upper half.
Hearts have endured their own torment since a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock last month consig
ned them to their first-ever bottom-six placing. Frail believes Falkirk are entitled to nurse similar grievances.
"John has done a terrific job and they had a chance against Aberdeen," he said. "They'll probably feel they missed chances against us. We look upon it the same way after drawing with Falkirk and then Kilmarnock. You could look it that way throughout the season.
"Overall, because of the manner in which they play and the style of football John likes, they've been great. He'll be disappointed not to make the top six. I live in Falkirk – it's a real football place. He has hungry players there, particularly the lad Scott Arfield. If he can keep boys like that I'm sure they can challenge for top six again next year."
Andy Driver has recovered from a torn thigh muscle and is restored to the visitors' squad tonight. Frail explained that one or two other key first-team players may return before the season ends.
"Bruno Aguiar could come back, which would be a big psychological boost for him," said the interim manager. "With these games not having too much resting on them it's a chance for someone in his position to get some game time. Neil McCann is another one. He's back running now although psychologically it's not as big for him because he hasn't been out all season.
"I said to the players when we realised we wouldn't make the top six that it was down to them. If they want to play to get a contract here, then fine. That's why the last five games had to have some meaning, some importance. It couldn't just be a case of 'can't wait till I'm flying away somewhere nice and hot'.
"Hopefully, the results we've had have been driven by pride, wanting to restore some back to themselves and to the club. The players have been terrific and I can only give my opinions on them to the people dealing with contracts and they take it from there."
The full article contains 412 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
