Smith is eager to hand the Falkirk reins to Hartley on the back of another win

Falkirk’s Alex Smith will hold on to the title of Europe’s oldest coach when the Bairns host Dunfermline Athletic in the fourth round of the Irn-bru Cup this afternoon, with new manager Paul Hartley taking the reins on Monday.

Technical director Smith, who guided Falkirk to a 1-0 win over Morton last weekend in their first game since parting with Peter Houston, is delighted that Hartley, the former Alloa and Dundee manager, is coming on board.

“Paul has an impressive pedigree both as a player and a manager,” said the 77-year-old. “I first came across him when he was one of the hamper boys with Scotland at Euro 96 and was also involved in training sessions with Craig Brown’s squad.

“I recommended him to Jimmy Nicholl when he was in charge at Millwall and then helped Jimmy bring him to Raith Rovers when the two of us worked there. We sold him to Hibs before Billy Stark converted him from a winger into a midfield player at St Johnstone. That move allowed Paul to blossom and he then gave outstanding service at Hearts, Celtic and Scotland.”

Off the field Smith has been similarly impressed. “He guided Alloa to two promotions and then Dundee to the top flight,” he added. “He is a winner and I am sure that he will be a success at Falkirk.”

Smith added: “Paul will be watching the game. We have a bit of confidence now and we want to build on that.”

A youthful Dundee United will be without injured trio Tam Scobbie, Paul Quinn and Lewis Toshney when they host Northern Irish outfit Linfield, while Championship leaders St Mirren host League 1 tabletoppers Raith Rovers.

“Winning is a habit and we want to keep our winning habit going,” said St Mirren’s assistant boss James Fowler. The Buddies have won seven of their past eight matches.

Peterhead head to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Montrose welcome Queen of the South to Links Park, and Cove Rangers face up to Crusaders at Forfar’s Station Park.

Having beaten Forfar and Livingston (twice), Welsh side The New Saints aim to defeat managerless Elgin at Park Hall and complete a fourth Scottish success.