Pressley sees bigger picture

Steven Pressley hopes that Falkirk's progression to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup can help him retain the services of his young squad.

Last Updated: 03/03/13 at 14:22 Post Comment

Steven Pressley: Hopes to hang onto players

Steven Pressley: Hopes to hang onto players

The Bairns clinched their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Hamilton at New Douglas Park - achieving their second major cup semi-final in two seasons.

Following last season's 3-1 defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final, Falkirk saw Murray Wallace and Kallum Higginbotham depart the club and Pressley is looking to avoid a repeat of that this time round.

He explained: "I lost two players straight after last year's Hampden appearance and the one thing about this semi-final is I hope that we have breathing space so we don't have to lose players.

"It is one thing developing them but you want to be able to keep them to build a team.

"Playing at Hampden is a great chance for the players to showcase their talents on a big stage."

Pressley also praised the efforts of his side in holding on to their lead after Andy Ryan struck to reduce the deficit.

The Falkirk boss added: "I thought it was a wonderful game, great credit has to go to Hamilton because at times they put us under enormous pressure, but I thought we stood strong and we worked to a game plan.

"We tried to bring them on to us a bit more and utilise our speed on the counter-attack and I thought it worked to good effect. I thought we showed great resilience over the last 10 minutes."

Hamilton striker Ryan admitted he apologised to his team-mates after spurning a wonderful opportunity to get Accies back on terms.

Ryan somehow scooped the ball over the bar with the goal gaping just minutes after scoring to get his side back in the match.

"I completely misjudged it," said Ryan. "It was put on a plate for me and I have to score.

"I said I was sorry to the guys at full-time but they said I wasn't the only one to miss a chance.

"I don't think it will be hard to pick ourselves up from this disappointment, we have a great bunch of boys here with great character and spirit."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Heynckes hails Robben impact

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has hailed the impact Arjen Robben has made on his side's run to the Champions League final.

Hummels wants stars to stay

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels hopes a Champions League final win will stop more of his team-mates from joining Bayern Munich.

Cech and Luiz praise for Rafa

Petr Cech and David Luiz have hailed outgoing boss Rafa Benitez and revealed their excitement about the likely arrival of Jose Mourinho.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved