He named no less than SEVEN players under the age of 22 in the side that beat Hearts 2-1 on Monday night.

Four Falkirk Academy graduates were included in the starting line-up as well – captain Darren Barr, Scott Arfield and the scorer of the first goal, Tam Scobbie.

The other, Chris Mitchell, also looks like a potential star of the future after producing a mature performance well above his years.

He is just the latest in a long line of up and coming youngsters who are giving Falkirk the enviable reputation as a club that produce quality players through their Academy system.

And Mitchell is now determined to continue knocking on the manager's door for a game after making an impressive first start against the Jambos.

"To be honest I didn't know I was playing until I walked into the dressing room," he told Heraldsport. "I wasn't expecting it at all yet I was delighted to be given the chance.

"My stomach was churning – I've had a few minutes here and there but this was my first start.

"It was an amazing experience and I don't think I did too badly.

"Maybe in the first half the nerves got to me and a few passes went astray, but I was more confident in the second and got into things more.

"We got a great result as well and it was good to claim the three points. It was just one game though, and I can't expect to start every one now.

"I would be lying if I said I wouldn't love an extended run, but I don't know what the gaffer holds in store for me and the decision comes down to him."

Mitchell, the Falkirk Futures captain, joined the Premier League club from Livingston on a pre-contract agreement in June 2006.

He had people taking further notice of him last summer when he scored the winning goal in a pre-season friendly against crack Dutch outfit Ajax.

Then, in November, the 19-year-old defender was blooded in the Third Division with Montrose when he began a successful two-month loan spell – so much so that the Links Park outfit were desperate to keep him.

"That really showed me what the senior game is like, especially the physical aspect," Mitchell explained.

"It definitely toughened me up to the standard you require in the SPL.
It was a good move and also an insight into guys who play football part-time. But I don't want that.

"I want to go onto bigger and better things in the future so I took it all on board and came back here to try and get into the first team.

"It's been a case of working hard in training and listening to everything the boss has said.

"He's now given me a chance that I'd love to hold onto. My main aim is obviously to play week in and out, but we'll wait and see what the future holds."

There is at least an opening in his right-back position now after Jack Ross, who joined Falkirk in August 2005 and went on to make 89 appearances, signed a pre-contract deal with SPL rivals St Mirren last week.

Ross, 31, will move to the Paisley club at the end of the season after agreeing terms on a two-year deal.

"Jack is one of many players, including Kevin McBride, Darren Barr and Patrick Cregg, who have really helped me out here," added Mitchell.

"He is a great guy, a fantastic player – being the club captain and at Falkirk for three years says it all.

"So to follow in his footsteps would be an amazing achievement, but I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground right now."

Mitchell could well be involved again this Saturday when Falkirk play their final home game of the current campaign, against Inverness Caley Thistle.

The Bairns' win over Hearts put them back in the frame for a seventh place finish, although that is still in the hands of the Edinburgh club who are currently two points ahead in the standings.

And a bumper crowd is expected at Westfield as they continue to chase their target.

There has been a massive uptake of free tickets for the encounter after hundreds of fans took full advantage of an incredible give-away offer in last week's Heraldsport.

Briefs for the Main Stand are still available to purchase from the club shop and on-line though, priced £20 (prime), £15 (adult) and £5 (concession/primary school).