'Shocked' - Former Falkirk captain Stephen McGinn slams Callumn Morrison's surprise transfer request

The winger, 25, recently asked to leave the William Hill Premiership promotion-chasing Bairns, with his request to be placed on the transfer list being leaked late last Wednesday.

And the manner of the move – especially with Falkirk previously winless in three before yesterday’s success over Raith Rovers and assistant manager Paul Smith’s recent heart attack – left League One invincible McGinn hurt.

Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sportsound radio programme, the St Mirren youth coach and pundit said: ‘There were two bits I was disappointed with: the timing and just the manner of it.

‘From being in that dressing room, I know how approachable the manager (John McGlynn) is. He is such a player-led manager. He gives you the benefit of the doubt more than most. He just wants you to do well.

‘I was shocked he went to Jamie Swinney. Having been at Falkirk - I can’t believe he went to the chief executive. John would have been disappointed with the timing of it.

‘But if he (Callumn) went to him and said ‘Listen, I’ve got the opportunity to do this, I have a young family…’ John would have done anything he could have to have helped him get something.

‘And obviously with the timing of everything with Paul (Smith) too.’

McGinn also reckons that Morrison – who was left out of Saturday’s squad and now could be set for a January exit – had the chance to etch his name as a club legend with the Bairns chasing a second successive title.

‘He’d have been up there with modern-day Falkirk legends,” he added. After all of the suffering (in League One). For what we could have gone on to achieve, he’d have been up there with the likes of Russell Latapy.

‘For a generation of Falkirk fans, he has been the guy. He’s produced so many big moments. I’m not sure who is advising him - I don’t know what the plan is.’

On Falkirk’s 2-0 win at Raith, which kept them two points clear at the top over resurgent Ayr United in second, McGinn added: ‘I was delighted for John, Paul, and the players - who have the fans' total trust and faith in them after what they have done for the club.

‘They got the win after such a difficult week and it was a statement victory when you looking to try and go on to win a league title.’