Hughes eager for Bairns to finish seventh

LOSING seventh position in the SPL to Hearts following last week's goalless draw at home to Gretna was a source of irritation to Falkirk manager John Hughes.

But the Bairns will be hoping to pressurise the Tynecastle side for that coveted spot tomorrow by racking up what would be their third victory over St Mirren this term. Hughes takes his team to Paisley well aware that, despite the closeness to the end of the season, the game will be as competitive as at any other time of the term.

"I want that seventh spot" said Yogi "and I want the players to be as hungry as I am to achieve it. Finishing seventh will give me more cash for next season's budget and will help me attract quality players to the club. I need to see a better performance than what was on show last Saturday. Some players are in contract, some will be out of contract but they all have something to play for."

Hughes gave a debut to on-loan Ipswich goalkeeper Shane Supple against Gretna but is undecided as to whether the Irishman will retain the jersey at Love Street.

"Shane's waited patiently for his chance and he did very well" said Hughes, "but Robert Olejnik's been superb for us, so I'll make a late decision on that one tomorrow."