Former Dundee United defender joins Falkirk as boss explains need for right back signing
Former Dundee United defender joins Falkirk as boss explains need for right back signing.
Former Dundee United defender Ryan Strain has joined Falkirk on a one-year deal, easing the Bairns’ woes at right back with two first-team stars currently out injured.
Summer signing Jack McMillan and Keelan Adams are both out of action, with the latter set to miss at least another two months before returning.
And with the new Scottish Premiership campaign closing in, boss John McGlynn has signing 29-year-old Strain to compete for a starting spot. During Falkirk’s opening two Premier Sports Cup fixtures, midfielder Connor Allan started at right back.
Former Dundee United ace joins Falkirk
McGlynn explained: “I’m delighted to bring in a player of Ryan’s quality and experience.
“I’ve mentioned in recent interviews that Keelan Adams has had an operation and has approximately another nine weeks of recovery ahead of him, provided there are no setbacks.
“Jack McMillan is also injured at the moment, so I felt we needed to strengthen in that area.
“Ryan is a proven Premiership player who has performed consistently at this level for both St Mirren and Dundee United.
“He knows the league inside out, understands exactly what is required and comes in ready to make an immediate impact, so this isn’t a gamble in any way whatsoever.”
Strain has been part of PFA Scotland’s training camp programme this summer having departed Tannadice in mid-May.
He enjoyed some memorable moments with Jim Goodwin’s side - including scoring in the Dundee Derby of the season - but his time was blighted by injury. The right back missed 11 league matchdays last term.
Previous to his time in Tangerine, Strain played for St Mirren after making the move to Scotland from Maccabi Haifi of Israel. A former Adelaide United star, the right back has been capped for Australia six times.
“He is a very accomplished right-back, both defensively and going forward,” McGlynn continued. “He has great energy, uses the ball well and gives us another real attacking threat down that side.
“Just as importantly, he brings composure, professionalism and a wealth of experience to the group.
“He has also previously played alongside Craig Sibbald and Scott Tanser, so there are familiar faces here for him, and I’m sure that will help him settle in quickly.
“I’m delighted Ryan has agreed to join us. He is a quality addition to the squad, and I’m confident he’ll make a big contribution for us.”
Strain scored in a recent outing for a PFA Scotland select XI against St Mirren.