Falkirk forward Barney Stewart on 'perfect' Pars loan and Neil Lennon/John McGlynn comparison

Falkirk forward Barney Stewart believes his fruitful loan spell at second-tier Dunfermline Athletic has been “perfect” for all parties involved.

The in-form striker, 21, scored the winner for the Pars in their Fife derby clash away to Raith Rovers last Saturday. And that 2-1 success was a first for the East End Park outfit in Kirkcaldy for over eight years.

Stewart – who made his Scotland under-21 debut last month – expertly headed home past Josh Rae from a corner to take his goal tally up to an impressive seven goals in just 11 Dunfermline appearances since joining in September. He had just returned from an early season injury at Falkirk and the move made sense - even if it did anger some fans on both sides.

Barney Stewart hails ‘perfect’ loan spell

Speaking to Pars TV, Barney beamed: “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to sign off… I had thought about it all week long before the game. I managed to get the ball in the back of the net and I couldn’t have asked for more than a goal and a derby win. Now I just have to do it in the Premiership!

“The loan’s been perfect for everyone including myself. Dunfermline took a risk taking me just off the back of my three-month long injury and the fact that I hadn’t really proven myself in the Championship yet. I really appreciated the gaffer (Neil Lennon) putting faith in me and helped develop me. He is similar to John McGlynn in the sense that he pushes you and they see the best in me and expect things.

“When I first joined, I don’t thing much of the controversy was directed at me, more just where I came from. I do appreciate that but I just had to forget about that. The fans could have been telling me to do one at the end of the game but they were chanting my name instead!”

Neil Lennon impressed by Falkirk striker’s goal return

Pars boss Neil Lennon hailed Stewart’s ‘fox in the box’ instincts after the former Heriot-Watt University ace finished his loan spell at Dunfermline in style.

“His goal contribution has been magnificent. He is a great (penalty) box player,” ex-Hibs and Celtic gaffer Lennon said. "He is one of the best in the league I think when it comes to that. He scores from all types of finishes too, today it was a header and it was a brilliant one. Overall, he put in a fantastic performance and he played so well.”

Stewart is now back with the Bairns and should be available for selection this Saturday when Aberdeen visit Falkirk. He trained with his Falkirk team-mates on Monday morning.