
Celtic is hoping for support from John McGlynn and his team, the Bairns, in their upcoming match. The outcome could significantly impact Celtic's standing in the league.
Celtic could use a favour from John McGlynn and his Bairns
Falkirk Manager John McGlynn at post-match media conference. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
After yesterday’s narrow but vital 1-0 victory for Celtic over St Mirren, all eyes today will be on the Falkirk Stadium with Celtic supporters eyeing a favour from in form Falkirk who host the Rangers, just a week after the Bairns officially clinched a top six place in their first season back in the Scottish Premiership after winning promotion to the top flight.
With Hearts also winning yesterday thanks to a shocking penalty decision, we could do with our other opponents in the title race dropping points, to give us a an extra edge going into the split. Celtic’s title hopes are all still very much in our hands, but a little helping hand elsewhere wouldn’t go amiss, and any slip ups from our most bitter rivals would be most welcome indeed.
Falkirk Stadium. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
The Bairns under the guidance of former Celtic coach John McGlynn, have impressed this campaign with not only their results, but their open approach to games, playing some terrific football along the way, and throughly deserve their top six status.
They also have a decent record against today’s opponents, whom they have drew with twice already, once at home and once in Govan as they settled fantastically back into life in the top flight after a 15 year absence.
But, today is a totally different scenario, due to the Bairns knowing they have already secured a top six slot, and with their minds naturally preoccupied on a Scottish Cup semi final date with Dunfermline at Hampden next weekend, so it’s quite possible that they might not have their eye on the ball so to speak.
Calvin Miller of Falkirk during the Premier League match between Heart of Midlothian and Falkirk at Tynecastle Park on September 27, 2025. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
John McGlynn also raised a few eyebrows earlier in the season when he publicly declared that the majority of his squad have a fondness for today’s visitors, even describing them as ‘supporters’ of the Ibrox side.
Calvin Miller has his own Celtic background and is perhaps Falkrik’s biggest threat today so we have some counter-balance to any concerns of the Falkirk Bears doing a Dunfermline, something that got Chris Sutton into big bother back in the day.
Chris Sutton . Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Will those bluenose Bairns who John McGlynn talked about be up for the challenge against a side so close to their own hearts? We shall see.
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John McGlynn is the manager of Falkirk.
Falkirk's performance could influence Celtic's chances of improving their standing in the league.
The Bairns is the nickname for Falkirk FC, the team managed by John McGlynn.
Falkirk last played against Celtic on January 14, 2026, in the Scottish Premiership.


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