FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | FACEBOOK
FALKIRK manager Peter Houston has targeted at least one new signing after agreeing to free midfielder John Rankin early to join Queen of the South.
The 33-year-old, who Houston signed at Dundee United in 2011, joined the Bairns in the summer after suffering relegation with the Tangerines last season.
However, with stiff competition from the likes of Mark Kerr and Tom Taiwo, he failed to hold down a regular place in the Falkirk line-up and made the last of his seven league starts on December 3.
The one-time Manchester United trainee held talks with Houston this week after being left out of the Hogmanay clash with Hibs and reached an agreement to leave so he could pen an 18-month deal at Palmerston Park.
Rankin’s departure frees up space in the Bairns’ tight budget for Houston – who has signed keeper Robbie Thomson following the exit of Deniz Mehmet – to bring in another signing in a bid to close the 12-point gap to Hibs at the top of the Championship.
Houston explained: “John is a fantastic professional and a great guy, and I love him to bits.
“He was an ever-present with me at Dundee United and at his age he just wanted to play first-team football, and I can’t guarantee him that with the squad I’ve got.
“It never really worked out for him at Falkirk, if I’m being honest, but we’re still good mates and I wish him well because he’s a top guy and a top professional.
“I have some money to play with now and I’ve made enquiries about a player in a position I think will help us out.
“I’ve got another position I would like to strengthen as well but I would need to generate more money for that.
“Things are still in the early stages but hopefully the one I’m trying to get becomes available because I think he would add something to the squad.”
