BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Peter Houston has hailed the latest piece of good news for Falkirk after top scorer John Baird put pen to paper on a new deal.
The former Raith Rovers, Partick Thistle and Dundee striker joined the Bairns 12 months ago from Queen of the South and his previous contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
However, the 30-year-old, who has netted 15 times in 27 appearances this term, has agreed to stay on for another season.
The fresh terms come on the back of Houston himself penning a new two-year deal and the return of fans’ favourite Conor McGrandles on loan from Norwich City for the rest of the season, as well as the capture of East Fife youngster Nathan Austin.
Houston said: “Tying up John Baird is very good news.
“He triggered a clause that meant we had to offer him a new deal and John’s sorted now.
“He’s a big player for us – he’s a goal-scorer but he’s also got good experience and he helps the younger ones, like Kevin O’Hara, and he’s good about the place as well.
“He’s worked hard since he came in and he’s earned his new contract.”
Anthony Stokes
Meanwhile, Houston admits the capture of Anthony Stokes on loan from Celtic proves Falkirk cannot live with the resources of Championship rivals Hibs.
However, currently lying in second, splitting the league’s big two of Rangers and Hibs, he insists he is content with the squad he has at his disposal.
He added: “We have to concentrate on ourselves. Hibs are in the very fortunate position they can go and get the calibre and quality that Anthony is, because he is a fantastic player.
“He’ll want to get his career back on track, or his game back on track.
“Anthony’s not played for a wee while, so it might take him a game or two to get back up to full fitness but it certainly adds strength in depth to their striking options.
“Good luck to them, that’s their business, but I’m happy with what I’ve got here and anybody that comes in will has to improve us because we’re on a 12-game unbeaten run.”
