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GRIEVING Fraser Aird is expected to return to training with Falkirk on Thursday following the heartbreak of his father’s death.
The former Rangers player, signed by the Bairns just last month, missed Saturday’s derby triumph over sworn enemies Dunfermline after flying back to his native Canada to be with his family.
Dad Bill passed away last week and manager Peter Houston dedicated the weekend win over the Pars to the 22-year-old winger.
It was initially thought Aird may also miss Saturday’s rearranged league clash with Dundee United, but Houston now expects the Canada internationalist to be involved against the Tangerines.
He explained: “Fraser is due back on Thursday. He has been in touch to say that hopefully he’ll be back in time for training on Thursday.
“The best he can probably hope for now is to be on the bench, because he’ll have done something over there himself but he’s been away for a few days.
“At the end of the day, it’s been a hard time for him and his family, so we’ll nurse him back gradually.”
Fellow new signing Joe McKee made his debut against Dunfermline after joining Falkirk on a short-term deal following his exit from Carlisle United on transfer deadline day.
OUTSTANDING
And Houston has showered praise on the 24-year-old former Burnley, Bolton Wanderers and Morton midfielder.
He added: “I thought Joe was outstanding, it was an outstanding debut, and I’m pleased to get him on board when I didn’t think anything was going to happen.
“He’s just a boy who wants to play football and he jumped at the chance to come here, which is pleasing.
“I thought he showed great maturity for a 24-year-old. He knew when to pass it, he knew when to drive forward with it and he gave us a good balance and allowed Craig Sibbald to go and do what he does for us.
“It’s always nice for a new player to come in and make a good debut in front of a big crowd of Falkirk fans. That will give him heart and already the fans will see he’s a good player.”
