Falkirk v Celtic – “We are in a good place,” John McGlynn

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·14 January 2026

Falkirk v Celtic – “We are in a good place,” John McGlynn

Falkirk boss John McGlynn insists it’s his side are in a good place heading into facing Celtic tonight…

Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney celebrate Celtic’s opening goal during the Premier League match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

When Martin O’Neill first returned to Celtic back in October following the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers, Falkirk were the opponents – and they were on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing.

OneFootball Videos

However, following back-to-back victories against Aberdeen and St Mirren which have comfortably moved the Bairns into the top six, McGlynn reckons his side have nothing to lose against the Scottish champions this evening.

John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“It is an exciting prospect,” the former Celtic analyst said via BBC Sport Scotland. “Obviously we were first to sample Martin coming back the first time at Celtic Park. It didn’t go so well, so we will be looking for something better than that.

“Different at Celtic Park with 50,000 Celtic fans behind their team. The atmosphere is going to be a bit different than Celtic Park with nearly 7,000 fans behind us. We are in a good place. We’ve taken nine points from a possible 12. It is a game to look forward to.”

John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk FC acknowledges the fans after the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic’s trip tonight marks their first appearance at Falkirk Stadium since 2010. The transformation at the club since McGlynn arrived four years ago – where they were languishing sixth in League One – to now has been remarkable.

“It is a bit of a fairytale,” he admitted. “There are guys here who were in League 1 and who would never have imagined they would be playing at this level – they are excelling.

“So far so good. We are sitting sixth and have a little bit of a cushion, but not enough to think that’s us for the season. We’ve shown for half a season we can do it. We’ve just got to show that for the other half.”

“We believe we can now and the players have the confidence they needed. We’ve shown other clubs we’re a match for anyone on our day.”

John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk, reacts prior to the Scottish Cup Semi Final between Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Hampden Park on April 29, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“At the moment, we are very much on the up, but we are not getting carried away. I would be so proud [if Falkirk completed a top-six finish]. It is one of these scenarios where you probably won’t realise exactly what we’ve done here until you are retired and looking back on it.”

McGlynn has done some special things at Falkirk, but let’s hope he is on the receiving end of a defeat tonight as Celtic aim to chase Hearts at the top of the table.

Conor Spence

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?