Brad Spencer on juggling Falkirk’s festive Scottish Premiership schedule with impending fatherhood

It’s going to be a busy month for Brad Spencer. His Falkirk side face five Scottish Premiership fixtures in December as they acclimatise themselves to the top-flight’s busy festive schedule. But more importantly for the midfielder - he is also set welcome his first child with partner Rianna.

The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the Bairns’ team so far this season, starting every league outing, helping Falkirk climb the table and steer clear of any relegation worries after winning the Scottish Championship title last term. He has also been captain on the park again, owing to Coll Donaldson’s injury woes.

And Spencer revealed that the tight-knit squad are heading over to Dublin for their Christmas night out straight after Saturday’s trip to Hibs - but that is he will be missing out on the trip. Calvin Miller is in charge of the fine system, and it’s fair to say that Falkirk’s loan stars haven’t been given any leeway by their team-mates since making the move north. The winger is known for making up fines as he sees fit... with bad shouts in training, leaving items out on the pitch and other trivial mishaps helping build up the kitty. Sunderland striker Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi has been named as the top offender.

Falkirk star Spencer’s busy December

“Trey’s been fined quite a lot!,” Spencer said. “The wheel hasn’t been very kind to him. He’s had a few darts to throw and I don’t think he’d ever thrown one in his life - so that didn’t help him at all. It’s all for a good cause though. The boys are looking forward to it. I’m actually not going, my partner (Rianna) is due in two week’s time. We’re having a boy. It’s a wee bit too close to the time. She’s delighted that I am out but I am a little bit gutted! It is a really exciting. I’ve picked a great time, there’s about 15 games between now and January so I am hoping not to miss any games but if I do then so be it.”

On Falkirk’s loan players, who have made a massive impact since joining the club, the midfielder hailed the likes of Swansea City defender Filip Lissah.

Spencer said: "They've all started to find their feet. I don't know if it's just a young team thing now that a lot of the boys are quieter than what we were back in the day. I sound old when I say that! I think they're just quieter, but now that they've all integrated with the squad, they all really get on with everybody. They've been brilliant. I can’t compliment their work rate, their intensity, and their ability first and foremost enough. They're right good players and they've done really well so far for us, so long may it continue. Filip has had to bide his time for a chance. He’s played left-back and been brilliant after a tough debut at Tynecastle. Ethan (Williams), Kyrell (Wilson), Henry (Cartwright) and Trey have all been excellent.”

Ahead of facing in-form Motherwell on Wednesday at home, Spencer added: "They are a good footballing side, they passed the ball really well last time we played them. First half, I thought we sat off them a bit too much, second half we were better and obviously got the three points. Motherwell will try to come here and do the same against us and take three points. It'll be a tough game.”