Celtic’s opponents in today’s Scottish League Cup quarter-final should not be underestimated. Falkirk have been exceptional under John McGlynn…

John McGlynn managing Raith Rovers at Celtic Park, Celtic v Raith Rovers – Photo Andrew Milligan

The Bairns currently sit at the foot of the Scottish Championship table having won five matches from five. Scott Brown’s Ayr United sit a point behind them having played a game more.

Incredibly, last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Rhys McCabe’s Airdrieonians made for the Bairns made it 43 league games unbeaten. This run stretches back to the 2022/2023 season having gone the entire Scottish League one campaign unbeaten. Having spent five nightmarish seasons in Scotland’s third tier, Falkirk won the league by a considerable 16 points, winning 27 of their 36 games drawing nine times.

Falkirk’s League Cup group stages went smoothly as well. An impressive 2-0 victory against Premiership opposition Dundee United, followed by convincing wins against Buckie Thistle and Stenhousemuir saw McGlynn’s side top the table.

The result that raised eyebrows was the Bairns stunning victory over Hearts in the previous round. Falkirk comfortably dispatched a Steven Naismith side that included various experienced players such as Craig Gordon, Stephen Kingsley and a cameo substitute appearance for Lawrence Shankland.

A Falkirk player that will be making a return to Celtic Park today is boyhood supporter Calvin Miller. It was Brendan Rodgers that gave the now 26 year-old his full Celtic debut back in December 2016 against Partick Thistle. Miller made five appearances for Celtic before leaving the club permanently in 2020 for Harrogate Town. He has since had spells at Chesterfield and Morton but has settled at Falkirk and has become a regular under McGlynn.

Calvin Miller of Greenock Morton battles for possession with Alistair Johnston of Celtic during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Greenock Morton at Celtic Park Stadium on January 21, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The other connection between the two clubs is that John McGlynn worked under Brendan Rodgers during Brendan’s first spell with the club. Working as an opposition analyst, McGlynn expressed his delight in his role working for Celtic, “I have been in the game a long time. In recent times I probably learned the most from Brendan Rodgers and his staff.”

He continued, “I was going away watching European games involving PSG, Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach and Anderlecht. To be involved in that, if you don’t learn then there is something wrong with you.”

Brendan Rodgers arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between Celtic and SK Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park on September 18, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rodgers reciprocated by outlining his admiration for the current Falkirk boss, “he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my life. He worked so hard for me when he was here and was a great staff member. I look forward to seeing him and we will need to be at our best to be in the next round.”

The Hoops are flying but so too are their opponents, Rodgers will see it as a fantastic chance to ring the changes but the Celtic players who come in will need to be on it to get past a potentially tricky side.

Conor Spence