Falkirk have enough in reserve for top scorer McManus' suspension says boss David McCracken

The 21-goal forward was red carded for a deliberate handball on the goal-line against Montrose, having already put the Bairns ahead in the match.

His save stopped a certain goal and conceded a penalty which Robbie Mutch saved - handing the Bairns a vital win.

But now McManus will miss Saturday's match at Clyde through suspension, and while he is ruing the miss, co-manager David McCracken says it is an opportunity for the squad to step up and step-in for the hot-shot striker who the Bairns have relied upon at times this season.

"The good thing is we are creating chances - it's not always Declan who is on the end of them, but he has taken his when they have come, we have stressed to the guys as far back as a few months ago that we needed goals from other areas of the team and that applies now as much as ever.

"We need a contribution from defence, midfield because it takes a bit of the onus off the strikers. They need to get their goals but if more come from other areas then it's even better."

With Conor Sammon and David McMillan both partnering McManus previously, co-manager Lee Miller has also had minutes in recent weeks while Louis Longridge could step forward into the attack too, giving the Bairns a few options - but just 19 goals between the foursome - two less than McManus himself.

Fans have expressed fears over the squad size but McCracken is content with the personnel having declined the offer of another striker - who The Falkirik Herald understands to be Kenny Miller, now assistant manager at Newcastle Jets.

McCracken added: "We did bits and pieces in January and we did have the opportunity to bring in another striker, but we didn't take that up because we are quite happy with where we are at and who we have got, and the opportiunity is there on Saturday for one of the boys to stake their claim and get among the goals.

"Lee has come back into things and has trained consistently the past few weeks. When Lee signed as a player it was seen as more as a back-up but with Declan being out he might have a part on Saturday, but we will see what happens when we approach our team selection."