Match Report

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

by Julian Peck

Hughes says Scotland boss should consider O'Brien for national side

JOHN HUGHES already has a current Scotland internationalist among his first-team squad, but he reckons there should be another one as well.

A graduate of the club's Academy system, many believed that a call-up to the national side for Darren Barr was inevitable after three consistent seasons in the SPL.

And that duly arrived in August's 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland – making him the first Falkirk player to be capped since John White way back in 1959.

The captain's worth was again clear to see last Saturday when he not only commanded the Bairns' defence, but also popped up at the other end to score a goal.

However, Hughes says the national coach should now be considering the inclusion of Burton O'Brien as well for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers following a series of outstanding performances by the 27-year-old.

A former St Mirren, Blackburn Rovers, Livingston and Sheffield Wednesday player, the Johannesburg-born midfielder has already been capped at under-21 level.

But his application to switch nationalities in order to represent South Africa instead was rejected by FIFA in 2005 as he was too old to apply, meaning Scotland is still an option.

"If George Burley is looking for someone to play on the left hand side, which is something he's a little short of, then Burton is his man," said Hughes.

"He wouldn't let him down and is a really good footballer – everyone can see that for themselves."

"Against Hibs, his performance was different class. Burton pulled the strings in left midfield and has been like that for the last few weeks."

"Everyone forgets as well that he didn't do a pre-season because he needed an operation."

"Instead, he had to do that by playing 90 minutes in the SPL and we're only now starting to see the best of him."

Jackie McNamara, who already has 33 Scotland caps to his name, was also singled out for praise by the Bairns boss.

"He was absolutely brilliant and is getting better and better all the time," said Hughes.

And McNamara, O'Brien, Barr, and everyone else in the Falkirk side were worthy of maximum points against their lacklustre opponents after taking control from the outset.

Barr finally found the breakthrough in the 69th minute, latching onto O'Brien's cross and heading the ball into the back of the net from an acute angle.

Yet substitute Colin Nish stung the Bairns with just seven minutes remaining when Scott Flinders failed to collect Alan O'Brien's corner and he nodded Rob Jones' header home from a few yards.

Prior to the equaliser, though, the Bairns should really have turned their dominance into goals and put the game beyond the Edinburgh side. Instead, it was two points dropped.

"That's football and you just need to take it on the chin," said Hughes.

"We took the game to Hibs, our ball retention and passing was good and we were the better team."

"I'm not frustrated at the players but rather along with them, because they put so much into it and only got a draw."

"When you're the home side, the onus is on you to go and play the style of football that we do and if I'm honest enough – and I'm that type of guy – then the three points should have stayed in Falkirk."

"It's been that way for a good part of this season, we've had a lot of draws."

"The boys have been outstanding, though, and I can't criticise them apart from the fact we could have got quicker support to the front two and been a bit braver when putting crosses into the box – I'd like to have seen a Falkirk head on the end of it."

This had also been 'Russell Latapy Day' and the 40-year-old was honoured for five years service prior to kick-off against one of his former clubs with a series of events organised by supporter Keith Miller.

Trinidad and Tobago flags flew in the stands, fans wore Latapy wigs, a giant No. 10 jersey was paraded around the ground and an impressive card display by the fans spelt out the Little Magician's number.

Latapy was also inducted into the club's Hall of Fame, received a club kilt from the BairnsTrust, and Ashton Ford, an attaché from Trinidad and Tobago's High Commission, was the guest of honour.

Sitting on the bench, though, Latapy didn't get the chance to take to the field again – but Hughes still paid tribute.

"Sentiment just can't come into it," he said. "Russell's been different class for us and is still a genius."

"Yes, it would have been nice to put him on during this day of appreciation but, then again, it's always nice to spoil it!"