RAY McKINNON’S PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Bairns boss Ray McKinnon spoke to the press earlier this week ahead of our crucial Scottish Championship fixture against Ross County as we head into the final game of the league season.

On the game against County…

“We’ll just go for it. It’ll be tough with the champions coming here. Our group are really motivated to make sure we win it. We won’t be getting updates from Ayr, I’m pretty sure we’ll know what is happening from the crowd at the game and we need to stay focused on winning the game and making sure we’ve got a strategy to do that.  There are no grey areas and we need to focus on exactly what we need to do.”

On injuries in the squad…

“Zak hasn’t trained but I’m sure he’ll make it. Demi (Petravicius) and Paul (Paton) haven’t trained either so we have a few niggles but I’m hoping everyone else will be available.”

On Alloa’s game against Ayr United…

“I’m not going to try to play mind games, but there probably is a little bit of pressure on them too. It’s a big game for Alloa. Ayr United are wanting to finish third, there is a lot of money at stake for them.

“We can’t control what’s going on elsewhere, the bottom line is we need to win. If we can win the game, then the pressure is on Alloa to take something down there. And I think that is a tough game for them, I really do.”

On the pressure of tomorrow’s game…

“We’ve been in this sort of situation all season, so it’s nothing new for these boys to go into a game with pressure on them. The mentality side is there, it’s a case of getting that quality side right as well and taking the chances when we make them.”

On the Falkirk fans…

“We’re one of the best supported clubs in the country, despite how this season has went. The attendances have been great, and the boys are extremely appreciative. I know they’ll be right behind the boys again on Saturday, spurring them on.”

On Zak Rudden…

“Zak has been phenomenal for us this season. The awards clean sweep was deserved. He has come in here and gives everything to the cause. He knocks his pan in, scores important goals and, for such a young boy, we have been delighted with him.

“Zak deserves all the credit and plaudits the people give him – but we also need other players to step up. They need to get into the right areas, take up the mantle, be positive and try to score goals. We can’t just look to Zak in every game, we need goals from other parts of the team, and everyone knows what is at stake.”