Falkirk vs Livingston preview - McGovern missing for Bairns

Falkirk will be without goalkeeper Michael McGovern for the visit of Livingston.

The Bairns lost an appeal against his sending off in last Saturday's match against Ross County and youngster Graham Bowman will make his first start as a result.

Midfielder Stewart Murdoch is also missing after breaking a bone in his foot, although Kieran Duffie and Farid El Alagui are available after bans as they look to bounce back from two successive defeats for the first time this season.

Technical director Alex Smith said: "It is good to have Kieran and Farid available as we have missed them.

"Livingston, like us, are looking to bounce back so it could come down to who wants it the most and I am hoping that will be us."

Livingston have full-back Jason Talbot suspended for the trip to face one of new manager John Hughes' former clubs.

The Lions will also be missing Craig Barr through a ban as well as the injured pair of Jonathan Brown and Liam Fox.

Hughes said: "It was disappointing to lose 4-0 last week to Hamilton as we are capable of a lot better.

"We need to hit a high level of performance and stay there as we are too inconsistent at the moment, but the players have worked really hard in training this week in getting things right."

"I always enjoy going back to Falkirk but I am going back there looking for the three points."