New signings boost Falkirk

Posted Saturday, August 07, 2010 by PA

Falkirk include all five summer signings in their pool for the mouth-watering opening day clash with visitors Dunfermline.

French Defender Mehdi Khalis, former Celtic players Jason Marr and Mark Millar, striker Kenny Deuchar and former Rochdale frontman Kallum Higginbotham have all been included in manager Steven Pressley's squad.

Left-sided defender Marc Twaddle is absent through suspension with young defender Calum McLean ruled out because of a knee problem.

Pressley said: "Everyone here is really looking forward to this game. There will be a big crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. I know that we will need to play well as Dunfermline are one of the favourites for the league and we have watched them several times to ensure we get our tactics right."

Dunfermline are without summer signing Alex Keddie as the defender starts a two-game suspension while midfielder Steven Bell is also banned.

Alex Burke has been ruled out through injury, but Nicky Phinn and Willie Gibson have returned to training and are included in manager Jim McIntyre's travelling party.

McIntyre's assistant Gerry McCabe is confident that his men will take the game to their hosts.

He said: "We will go there and set our stall out to go and attack Falkirk.

"This is real chance for us to test ourselves and were we are against a club that will also fancy their chances of challenging for the title."