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FARID El Alagui has brushed off the hostile reception he received on his return to Falkirk with Dunfermline.
The French-Moroccan striker was a firm fans’ favourite during the campaign he spent with the Bairns in season 2011-12.
The 31-year-old netted 28 times before departing for Brentford.
And we're off. #COYB #COYP #DAFC #SPFL pic.twitter.com/j2UbY5ZNNr
— Capital City Press (@CCP_sport) October 15, 2016
However, the Falkirk fans were in no mood to welcome the marksman back at the weekend when he returned with sworn enemies Dunfermline.
El Alagui penned a short-term deal with the Pars last month and took his tally to four goals in as many games with a late counter in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to his former team.
And he has insisted he has no problems with the loud boos that greeted him from the supporters who worshipped him only a few years ago.
He said: “It’s okay, that’s football. I can understand they’re not happy with me.
“But we are professionals and we have to do what’s right for ourselves.
“I’m just happy to play football again, to be honest.
“Dunfermline gave me a chance. It was hard after my injuries for clubs to give me a chance and I have to be grateful for that.
“I’m really pleased to sign here and I’ll try to do well for the club.”
MEMORIES
El Alagui did his best to make it a happy return to his old stomping ground when he raised hopes of a stirring comeback with his 75th-minute strike.
The former Hibs forward showed a deft touch to tame a deflected David Hopkirk shot before sidestepping Danny Rogers and rolling into an empty net.
However, he admits his personal satisfaction took a back seat as Dunfermline suffered a sixth league defeat, thanks to earlier Falkirk goals from Craig Sibbald and Myles Hippolyte.
He added: “Going back to Falkirk was a special game for me and a special stadium with some great memories.
“But obviously I have mixed feelings.
“Scoring the goal was great but when it counts for nothing it doesn’t make it as sweet as it would have been.
“It was great to start. That was my first start for a while now, so I’m pleased with that and pleased to get a goal.
“But I’m not pleased with the result, but we go again, obviously.”
