Falkirk have been hit hard by injuries ahead of their meeting with Celtic.
Just like the Celts, John McGlynn’s side put in a 120-minute shift in the Scottish Cup semi-final last weekend.
They were beaten on penalties by Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline, leaving them with just five league games to contend with before the end of the season. Regardless of how these go, they have next to zero chance of finishing in the European spots.
To make matters worse, they will be without Scott Bain, Filip Lissah and Liam Henderson on their trip to Celtic Park.
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Falkirk ‘hit an injury blow’ for Celtic clash, John McGlynn says
McGlynn told the media this week: “We’ve hit an injury blow.
“Scott Bain is going to be out, Liam Henderson is going to be out and Filip Lissah is going to be out.
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“These are three key players that have picked up injuries from the game last Saturday on top of Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams.
“These players have played virtually every game. They’re guys that are first picks. It’s a huge blow to lose them for going away to Celtic Park, which is always a hard game anyway.”
“Scott [Bain] could be an issue. He hurt his ankle and got a scan on it. There’s nothing broken but there’s a bit of bone bruising and it’s a bit tender.
“It’s not straightforward, but I don’t think it’s going to go into the summer. If anything it might be a two or three-week thing.
“He might still be able to get a game in before the end of the season. Fingers crossed. Liam Henderson has got a little bit of a hamstring injury.
“Not too serious, but it’s not cleared up enough in time for Saturday. Filip has been nursing something on his ankle which has shown up a little bit in the MRI scan.
“We’ll just need to manage him between now and the end of the season. He’s not going to be able to play this week.”
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Celtic’s previous meetings with Falkirk this season
Falkirk are yet to win after four meetings with Celtic this season: one under Brendan Rodgers, and three under Martin O’Neill.
The Hoops won comfortably in the first two, both in Glasgow, one in the league and one in the Scottish Premiership. The league meeting was the first of O’Neill’s first interim spell.
In early January, Celtic survived a scare at the Falkirk Stadium, winning 1-0 as Kasper Schmeichel made several crucial saves.
Falkirk also had chances on their last visit to Celtic Park, though O’Neill’s men won 2-0.
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