Beating Killie 'would go long way' in top-six quest

Falkirk manager John McGlynn admits victory this weekend over Kilmarnock "would go a long way" to clinching an unlikely top-six finish.

The Bairns have been one of the feelgood stories of the season, confounding expectations for a newly-promoted side.

With just five matches remaining before the split, they sit sixth - nine points head of Dundee United and 10 points clear of Aberdeen, albeit having played a game more than the pair of chasers.

"It would go a long way," said McGlynn of a potential victory. "It's up to us to do our bit of that, obviously.

"The bookies would certainly have Hearts favourites to beat Aberdeen and probably Motherwell to beat Dundee United. But we can do our bit, which is the most important thing for us.

"We've got control over our game. It's up to us to do the best we can and beat a Kilmarnock team who've got a lift and fighting for their lives.

"We recognise that for sure. But if we were to [win], and the other results were going for us, it would be 12 points clear.

"Aberdeen have got Celtic to play and Dundee United are playing Tuesday night against St Mirren, who again are fighting for their lives."

"We're all involved with either these teams at the bottom who are wanting to get away from the bottom or you're looking at playing the teams at the top end who are trying to win a league. Anything can happen."

On the injury front, McGlynn was forced to deal with some bad news after on-loan Sheffield United forward Louie Marsh was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a thigh problem.

"He's going to go back to Sheffield United now and do his rehabilitation there," said McGlynn.

"He might get back for the latter stages of the league, but it is a blow because he started here very, very well.

"With Ben Parkinson being out, it means two of the newest players that we brought in are now not available.

"Everyone seems to have their troubles with regards to injuries and we have them as well. Kyrell [Wilson] went off with an ankle injury and he's going to miss this weekend's game.

"On top of that, Ross MacIver, who knows? He's away to get another scan. Scan upon scan upon scan.

"Gary [Oliver], we are a little bit more positive in that he's heading in the right direction but he's unavailable still."