Marvin Bartley on Stenhousemuir loan aim, Ayr United win and 'well-earned' break

And manager Marvin Bartley says that his part-time squad can now enjoy a well-earned break after a gruelling run of fixtures.

The Warriors – who defeated Ayr United 1-0 at Somerset Park last Friday night to make it seven league wins on the spin – have a free weekend after the scheduled home fixture against Dunfermline Athletic was moved due to international call-ups for Neil Lennon’s team.

Speaking to the Falkirk Herald, Bartley revealed how the two-week break looks for the club.

"We had a bounce game on Tuesday,” he said. “That allowed the guys who needed minutes to get them. We have given the guys Thursday off. It’s a chance to chill out mentally and physically.

"But we are back in on Saturday and then it is basically a normal week ahead of the trip up to Inverness. The guys have earned that one training off.

"The fixture schedule hasn’t been kind to us as a part-time club. The break is nice but then the SPFL go and schedule the game for a Tuesday when we play on the Friday.”

It’s a welcome break for ex-Hibs midfielder Bartley too, who will be in action this weekend at the SPFL’s Tennent’s Sixes event.

"The game being off means I can play on the Saturday and Sunday which is nice,” the boss said. “I’ll be putting the boots back on and allowing the boys to pick me up on everything for a change!”

Looking back on Friday’s victory over Gary Naysmith’s side, Bartley hailed matchwinner Sam Young for his start to the season.

The ex-Pars centre-back, 20, has so far helped the team earn six clean sheets out of eight while also scoring twice on league duty.

He said: “It’s difficult to pick out players because everyone is playing a massive part for us. But Sam has probably gone under the radar a little bit.

"He’s been excellent. He was one we brought in because we felt that he would be a good fit for us. I was delighted for him getting another goal because I have been giving him some stick for some chances he’s missed! It was a great corner routine.

"First half we were okay, probably a 6 or 7 out of 10. I asked the players to give me more in the second half. They had 10 minutes to show me a reaction and they did just that.

"We tweaked a couple of things tactically and they carried that out well. The guys on the bench aren’t happy being subs but they are making an impact when they do come on – and that’s exactly what I want.”

The boss also felt that Hamza Kargbo was unfairly treated after he came on as a second-half substitute. The 6ft 6in striker caused chaos and had a great shout for a penalty late on.

“When the ball went near him he was being pulled down and a free kick was given against him which was interesting,” Bartley said. “We should have had a penalty.”

Meanwhile, Bartley confirmed that he is still hoping to add one loan signing to his squad before the lower-league window closes on Wednesday.

He revealed: “We could do with one more in the squad to compete and push for a starting spot. We’ll be working to last-minute to try and bring in that one player.”