Falkirk duo John McGlynn and Jacob Murrell earn monthly SPFL Scottish Premiership awards for October.

Falkirk’s superb Scottish Premiership form has been recognised, with manager John McGlynn and forward Jacob Murrell winning the manager and player of the month awards for October respectively.

The Bairns, who finished in the top six last season after winning promotion back to the top flight, sit fourth after 12 fixtures thanks to four wins on the spin, with three of those coming last month. Under McGlynn’s stewardship, Falkirk’s new-look team bounced back from a late home defeat by Dundee to beat Hibs, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen to round off a brilliant October.

Falkirk edged out Hibs 2-1 at Easter Road thanks to Murrell double with the American on the scoresheet again the following weekend against Neil McCann’s side. Two own goals helped the Bairns to a 3-0 win that day at home. A trip to Pittodrie then followed on the Wednesday, with Brentford loanee Ben Krauhaus climbing off the bench to secure a 1-0 victory against the Dons. November then started with a memorable 2-1 win over Celtic at home last time out.

Falkirk boss hails forward after award wins

After being named the Scottish Premiership Glen’s manager of the month for the first time, McGlynn beamed: “It's nice to win the Premiership manager of the month award. That's all credit to the players who have been outstanding and a joy to work with. A big thank you goes to the background staff and everyone involved behind the scenes doing a remarkable job. It’s recognition for all the hard work and the good results that we've got, but we look to carry it on and we don't want to get too carried away either.”

Former DC United striker Murrell - who has now scored five goals in 10 top-flight outings since making the move to Scotland - has hit a rich vein of form since the last international. And boss McGlynn hailed the 22-year-old for being a “top professional”.

“He has indeed,” McGlynn added. “We believe Ross MacIver and Ben Parkinson are good strikers. Jacob's come in and when you're coming from America to come here, things are different. Everyone does things differently. I'm sure it's a big difference. It took a bit of time to get acclimatised, to get ready. And then, once he got a goal, a real good goal at Tannadice, a great header, he just kicked on, and he's a threat. It's great credit to him. He's a top professional, very focused on his work, very honest in everything that he does. I couldn't speak highly enough of Jacob.”

Colin Matthews, CEO of Glen’s owner the Loch Lomond Group, said: “Under John McGlynn, Falkirk are fast establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Scottish Premiership. His team are exciting to watch, play with a lot of energy and work hard for each other. They have enjoyed a remarkable October, topped off with their first win against champions Celtic in 19 years – proving they are a match for anyone on their day.”