Hartley tells Sibbald to hit top form if he wants a move

Paul Hartley is relishing the prospect of seeing Craig Sibbald back in action for Falkirk, even though he knows he may only have the midfielder for six months.

Sibbald has been sidelined for the last 11 weeks because of injury but is in line for a return in tonight’s rearranged clash with Inverness Caley Thistle.

The 22-year-old has been unavailable to Hartley for the whole of his reign so far and the Bairns boss is hopeful the talented playmaker can help spark a revival in fortunes.

Sibbald agreed a new 12-month deal in August after spending time on trial at Luton Town in a bid to win a move away from Falkirk, who are due a development fee for the player.

But Hartley insists the only way “Sibbs” will earn a transfer is if he can turn it on for his hometown team between now and the end of the campaign.

He said: “Craig is a player I’ve seen a lot of over the years and he’s a talented boy. He’s played a lot of games for Falkirk and he chips in with goals, which we’ve been missing this season from midfield.

“With the work I’ve seen from him in training, you can see he’s a quality player.

“Hopefully he has a good six months, because the lad’s ambitious, I understand that.

“But I think he needs to focus on playing here and if he eventually wants to get that move higher then he has to be playing well.

“It’s a good thing for us to have him for the next six months, because he knows he has to perform well.”

Falkirk travel north eight points behind their hosts and an incredible 24 points adrift of league leaders Dundee United.

Hartley added: “We know where we are, it’s not a position we want to be in, but the only way to get out of it is with hard work and determination, and showing the right attitude and application. So, we’ve got to make sure we’re fired up in every game now.”