Bairns offer new deals to Muirhead and Leahy

The Bairns have already sealed new contracts for John Baird and Mark Kerr and the defensive double act could be next.

Peter Houston admitted a deal for the ex-Partick stopper was close as an appearance clause triggers a new offer. An improved deal has also been tabled to Leahy.

“Aaron Muirhead is also very close to an agreement too. He’s close to tick-over point, we want to keep him and he wants to stay. Last week we spoke to his agent and I’d expect we’ll have an answer very very soon.

“It makes my job easier to have that nucleus staying. I’ll still like to add a couple but it won’t be wholesale six or seven changes in the summer as I’ve had to do in the past.

“We’re still in chats with Luke, but as yet he’s not signed and we’re still speaking to his agent.”

The door also remains open for Blair Alston to stay with the Bairns beyond the end of his contract. The midfielder has been in excellent form recently but hasn’t been tied down beyond his current deal which expires at the end of this season.

While it’s unlikely he will stay a Bairn, the club would not be adverse to revisiting Alston’s contract situation c come the end of this term.

Houston added: “I think Blair thinks it’s maybe time to move on. He’s picked up great experience and played more than 200 times. It’s been good for him, but the door will never shut on him.

“If he continues doing what he’s doing, he’ll not be out the team much. It didn’t stop me playing Rory Loy, it won’t stop me playing Blair Alston.”