Loan snubs show we’re feared, says Houston
PETER HOUSTON reckons his failure to snap up midfield pair Sam Stanton and Andy Murdoch proves Hibs and Rangers view his Falkirk side as genuine title challengers. Houston admitted he tried to land Stanton on loan from Easter Road and Murdoch on a similar deal from Ibrox, only for their parent clubs to farm them out to Livingston and Queen of the South instead. The Bairns boss has nonetheless boosted his midfield options with the return from Norwich City of Conor McGrandles on loan — and was further cheered yesterday when Aberdeen agreed keeper Danny Rogers can remain at Westfield for the rest of the season. But he believes the fact that Rangers and tomorrow’s visitors Hibs decided not to deal with Falkirk is testament to the way his team have made the title chase a three-horse race. ‘They see us as a threat and a rival,’ said Houston, who penned a new two-year extension to his contract this week. ‘Murdoch’s gone to Queens and Stanton to Livingston. I wouldn’t deny we were interested in the two of them. ‘I said before Christmas I wanted to strengthen the squad and they are two talented players. So it’s a back-handed compliment if rivals like Hibs and Rangers think about us that much.’ Despite currently splitting the league’s ‘big two’, Falkirk striker Lee Miller feels the Bairns’ title challenge is still not being treated seriously. However, as they look to make up for their hard-luck stories in a defeat and draw with Hibs earlier this season, he reckons victory tomorrow will finally make people sit up and take notice. ‘Yes, we’re getting talked about a little bit more since the win against Rangers but I still think we’ve been ruled out,’ said Miller. ‘People keep expecting us to tail off as the season goes on but it would put a massive marker down if we beat Hibs.’ Falkirk, meanwhile, beat off competition from Premiership clubs to sign East Fife striker Nathan Austin yesterday, but have loaned the 21-year-old back to the League Two side for the rest of the season.