Mutch not willing to give up the number one spot second time around

Falkirk goalkeeper Robbie Mutch admits it was a surprise to be handed the number one spot again so quickly after returning from a long-term injury, and he says he isn’t prepared to give it up this time round even if that means keeping his pal Paddy Martin out of the side.
Robbie Mutch has started the last three matches over Paddy Martin in net, after returning from injury (Picture: Michael Gillen)Robbie Mutch has started the last three matches over Paddy Martin in net, after returning from injury (Picture: Michael Gillen)
Robbie Mutch has started the last three matches over Paddy Martin in net, after returning from injury (Picture: Michael Gillen)

The stopper has found himself first-choice since starting in Falkirk’s 2-1 defeat against Montrose last month despite not having played in over two months.

The 23-year-old told the Herald: “To be honest, I am actually surprised that I’ve managed to get back into the side so quickly after returning from my injury. Starting the match at Montrose, I had only been back in full training for a week or so.

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“We played in a bounce match against Dunfermline and the manager has decided to stick with me since.

“I’ve been really happy with how I have been playing since coming back, and it was an added bonus to pick up a clean sheet against Alloa too.”

The week before the Montrose defeat, ex-Hibernian keeper Martin, 22, was in net against East Fife and made a flurry of outstanding saves, helping the Bairns eventually pick up three points.

Mutch says he has sympathy for his fellow stopper, saying: “I felt really bad for Paddy because I have been in a similar situation this season.

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“When I was dropped earlier in the year, to be honest, I felt it was really harsh and it hurt, so I know he will be feeling the same as me because we are both wanting to play every game and make ourselves the number one at the club.”

He added: “He’s a brilliant goalkeeper and we get on really well on and off the pitch.”

Mutch says wants to make a name for himself at the Bairns after being in and out of the squad since joining the club from Aberdeen four years ago.

“Falkirk is a club I really feel at home at and I want to stay here and progress,” he said.

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“It is the best feeling you can have as a player when a manager puts faith in you, and I feel that right now.”

He added: “Cove Rangers this weekend is a chance to really show that we’ve improved, and a result would be huge for the team.”

“The past two weeks I’ve felt so comfortable with the back three that have been in front of me. I need to prove I can be the difference in getting a result.”

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