BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Myles Hippolyte admits his only goal at the start of January was to avoid a disastrous drop to League One.
Now the Falkirk flyer is adamant he can end a roller-coaster campaign by securing a Premiership place.
The 21-year-old struggled for form and consistency with Livingston in the first half of the season, drifting in and out of the side and receiving a petulant red card against Dumbarton in October – just 25 minutes after coming off the bench.
However, Bairns boss Peter Houston saw enough raw talent to convince him to take a punt on the unpolished winger, snapping up the former Brentford youngster for an undisclosed fee in the winter transfer window.
Hippolyte has been reenergised by the move, as illustrated by his game-changing cameo in the recent 3-2 triumph over champions-elect Rangers when he grabbed the equaliser.
Despite a shock defeat against his former club Livi at the weekend, Falkirk retain a six point lead over Hibs in second spot – and Hippolyte admits he needs to pinch himself when he considers his turnaround in fortunes.
Hippolyte said: “I’m buzzing every day when I think about fighting for second spot, compared to only fighting to stay in the division. Being in the mix for promotion is a massive thing for me and I’m loving it.
“Whether it’s coming off the bench or starting, I’ll be doing what I can to get the boys up the table and up the leagues.
“It’s been a massive step up for me. Even the training is completely different. At Livingston we were always thinking we weren’t fit enough, whereas here we know we are fit enough, it’s more about putting the technical things together and working as a team.
“It’s a lot more structured and I think that shows on the pitch. Have quality throughout the pitch and we are pushing for the Premiership. I truly believe we can get there if we keep playing the way we have been – with the exception of the Livi game.
“As a kid, you just want to play at the highest level possible and push yourself a bit more. Joining Falkirk has done that for me and hopefully I can help the club.
“It’s been very good. Everyone has been very welcoming and that is the main thing when you join a new club. When you integrate into a new dressing room it’s always about how the boys get on with you.
“They have been fantastic with me and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. This already feels like home – everybody sticks together and everyone supports each other.”
