Youth brings rewards at Falkirk
by Brian Etherson, 08 May 2008
Falkirk manager John Hughes firmly believes the future of the club is in its youth policy and he demonstrated that against Hearts on Monday night when there were no less than seven players under the age of 22 in the team that beat the Tynecastle side convincingly.
Scott Arfield, Tam Scobbie, Darren Barr and Chris Mitchell all came off the production line at the club, with Mitchell performing well beyond his age and they are, according to Hughes, the first in a long line of talent yet to be unleashed on The SPL.
After getting his first start against Hearts on Monday night, Mitchell is convinced his gritty performance will have given the Falkirk boss some food for thought in future team selections and admitted to be given the call was very much a shock.
“To be honest I didn't know I was playing until I walked into the dressing room,” Mitchell told the Falkirk Herald. “I wasn't expecting it at all yet I was delighted to be given the chance.
“My stomach was churning – I've had a few minutes here and there but this was my first start. It was an amazing experience and I don't think I did too badly.
“Maybe in the first half the nerves got to me and a few passes went astray, but I was more confident in the second and got into things more.
“We got a great result as well and it was good to claim the three points. It was just one game though, and I can't expect to start every one now.
“I would be lying if I said I wouldn't love an extended run, but I don't know what the gaffer holds in store for me and the decision comes down to him.”