Falkirk's Connor Allan on November to remember as ex-Rangers prospect revels in 'mad month'

It’s been a November to remember for Connor Allan. The flying Falkirk midfielder has managed to outdo his October, and that’s some feat considering he scored a sensational winner against Dundee to cap off what was his first-ever Scottish Premiership start.

After an injury crisis hit the Bairns’ backline with Hearts loanee Lewis Neilson joining Coll Donaldson and Tom Lang on the treatment table, the ex-Rangers academy prospect was handed an opportunity by boss John McGlynn to play alongside Liam Henderson at centre-back. And Allan has managed to keep his place in the team since being thrown in - even after the signing of experienced campaigner Ryan Edwards.

He’s started the past five matches, helping Falkirk climb to fifth in the table after three wins, a draw and a sole defeat away to Celtic. The Bairns’ latest success - a 3-0 thumping of Dundee United at Tannadice - also brought a welcome clean sheet. Allan team-mates have only managed to two of them in the top-flight so far, and they both came with the in-form makeshift centre-back on the park.

Allan ‘relishing’ new Falkirk role

“Honestly, it’s been a mad month-and-a-bit,” Allan told the Falkirk Herald. “I’ve tried to take everything in my stride - this is what you dream of as a kid, to be playing in big stadiums in big games in the Premiership. Getting clean sheets, representing Scotland. I am relishing it. I couldn’t have imagined this a couple of months ago. But I have always been there and worked hard in training. I know that I am a good player and that if an opportunity came that I could really play at this level and all I can do now is keep kicking on.”

On Falkirk’s 3-0 clean sheet against Jim Goodwin’s side, Allan added: “The boys were excellent. I still think that big teams are maybe getting a little spooked by the way we are turning up and just playing our football. We play through the lines and the three players in behind Brian (Graham) are so quick. We can counter or play through a team and we just have so much to our game and that’s a credit to the gaffer (John McGlynn) and the boys. We’ve had a good month-and-a-bit but a clean sheet has been on everyone’s mind. You always push for more. The whole team defended as unit.”

Outwith his excellent Falkirk exploits, the 21-year-old also earned a recall to the Scotland under-21s set-up and he managed to help Scot Gemmill’s side to two massive wins in their UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying double-header against Gibraltar and Bulgaria. Allan started and finished both games, winning a key penalty in the Fir Park 1-0 success over Bulgaria after a 2-0 stroll in Gibraltar.

Allan enjoyed Scotland U21 fixtures

He said: “I loved the camp, although I suppose you would love it if you got to play both 90 minutes and got two wins! I enjoyed getting away for a few days to Gibraltar even although the weather wasn’t great. It was a nice thing to break up a big month-and-a-bit. I want to play for my country and keep moving up the age groups.”

His Falkirk team-mate Barney Stewart also played his part, making his Scotland U21s debut after earning a call-up following a goalscoring run on loan at Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship.

“It was class for both of us to be there together,” Allan added. “It helped me having him there and I think he appreciated me being there too. He loved the experience and he managed to get on and played well in the games.”

Allan is now hoping to round off November with a positive result away to Ibrox this Sunday as he returns to his former club Rangers. Danny Rohl’s side have won four league games on the spin under his stewardship and the ex-academy midfielder is hoping to earn another start. He’ll be up against recent signing Edwards for a starting spot after the veteran made his Falkirk debut last time out. And Allan says that the competition for places is only making him a better player.

He said: “Ryan’s been excellent since he came in. You need competition at this level, we need it across the squad so everyone is at the top of their game. He is ready to play when he is needed. My focus is to help the team but of course I want to stay in this position for as long as I can. The other guys (defenders) are great. We have so many leaders to learn from. Guys like Hendo (Liam Henderson). He is talking me through the games and even off the pitch we have Coll (Donaldson) and others giving you backing. As a young player, having so many loud voices around eases you.”