Falkirk vs Partick Thistle preview - Finnigan boost for Bairns

Posted Saturday, April 09, 2011 by PA

Falkirk welcome striker Carl Finnigan back to their squad after suspension as they host Partick Thistle in the first of three games in a ten day spell between the sides.

However, defender Brian McLean is out of contention through suspension.

Bairns boss Steven Pressley is hopeful that defender Tam Scobbie can shake off a knock to play, although winger Jack Compton is likely to miss out with a knock.

Defender Mehdi Khalis returns to the squad for a must win game in terms of Falkirk's promotion push.

Pressley said: "Three points will keep everything going but we will have to work really hard to get them.

"We have played Partick four times already this season and the games have all been incredibly tight."

Partick's recent signing from Shamrock Rovers, striker Tommy Stewart, misses out on the trip after his Irish suspension was transferred to Scotland.

Paul Cairney should return, however Iain Flannigan, Ryan MacBeth and Simon Donnelly will all miss out through injury.

Assistant manager Ian Maxwell said: "Fixtures between Falkirk and us have been pretty jinxed this season with last Tuesday's postponement the fourth time a game has been called off.

"We will be delighted to get this one played and look to get a positive result before we face each other on Tuesday night again.

"There is so little between the sides that we are looking for a wee piece of magic from one of our players to settle it."