FALKIRK, sitting nine points clear at the top of the SFL’s First Division, travel to Paisley tomorrow to face St Mirren boosted by the return to the squad of midfielder Brent Rahim.
The Trinidad & Tobago player has been unavailable for large parts of the season due to his extensive international commitments.
"It’s like having a new player available to me," said Bairns boss John Hughes.
"Brent’s been away with his national team for long periods this season as they have had an intensive World Cup qualifying campaign.
"He also had family problems back in Trinidad but he’s back now and he’s fully fit. He’s been looking very good in training and he’s ready to fight for his place in the team.
"I’ve got Brent ready to come back but I’ve also got talented youngsters like Ryan McStay and Ian McSween working hard on the training pitch. You can only keep them out for so long and they have to be given their chance at some stage.
"Inevitably, someone’s going to be disappointed but competition for places is essential and it can prove to be a great motivator as can be seen from the way we’ve been playing lately."
St Mirren are the only team to have beaten Falkirk in the league this season, Gus McPherson’s men having taken the points in the previous Love Street clash between the sides back in August.
Hughes feels this will provide additional motivation as the Bairns seek to extend their impressive lead at the top of the table.
He reports no injury problems for the game, Russell Latapy having shaken off a flu virus and Craig McPherson having recovered from a hamstring problem.