Houston: Deniz has given me food for thought

The Turkish youth international turned in a sound display in Falkirk’s 4-2 win, which came 24 hours after the Bairns high-profile chase for Danny Rogers’ return was announced as successful.

The Irishman looks set to be the Bairns number one when competitive action kicks off on Saturday in Stirling, but the competition for places looks close, as Peter Houston admitted.

“Deniz was very good and he made two good saves in the lead up to the second goal – we weren’t onto the next ball,” said the Bairns boss. “He took crosses and he’ll be a threat to Danny’s position.

“If Danny isn’t playing at the standard he set last season, there is the opportunity there for Deniz to do that.”

Mehmet’s performance was hailed by Falkirk Herald readers too. He was the overnight leader in the man of the match poll hosted on our website.

Rogers was not involved at all and indeed, was not present for the 4-2 win which included a Will Vaulks double plus goals for Bob McHugh and Nathan Austin.

Houston added: “I expect him down on Monday. I have still to speak to Derek McInnes but all the paperwork is done. I’ve spoken to Danny and he’s excited and desperate to come back down.”

Securing the goalkeeper gives the Bairns boss two options for every position going into the new season, a potential headache situation which he’s happy to have developed this summer.

“That’s us with regards to bringing players in. I look at the squad and the substitutes and we have a good strength in depth, that we’ve not had over the last couple of years.

“Luca Gasparotto, Lewis Kidd and James Craigen are learning how we go about our business so we have competition. When David McCracken and Peter Grant come back, Aaron Muirhead and Kidd are fighting for the right-back place and Tony Gallacher got a good shift with Luke Leahy. I’ve still got Tom Taiwo to come back.

“The squad has more players who can step in and fill the void if there are suspensions or injuries, without weakening the team and that’s what I was looking for.”

Attendance at Cliftonhill was 268. A third of the gate receipts received by Albion Rovers will be forwarded to the Gordon MacFarlane fund which will adapt the Bairns’ media man’s living conditions and allow him to return home to his family after a year in hospital following a severe stroke last July.