Celtic vs Falkirk LIVE! Latest updates from the Premiership showdown at Parkhead

Leon McCann says Falkirk’s dressing-room is making a killing off unsuspecting new arrivals, all for the sake of a mid-season party.

But the Bairns stalwart insists relying on credit in the bank to remain a constant amid change is a non-starter – because he’s not built that way. The left-back, 26, is witness to the biggest revamp in his six seasons at the club, having joined while they were languishing in League One.

CJ Fodrey’s arrival from MLS side Austin, hot on the heels of fellow American Jacob Murrell joining, took the summer signing tally to 16.

Six of those are youngsters who have headed north from English Under-21 set-ups as boss John McGlynn has cast their transfer net beyond Scotland. The start of a new season sees the inevitable launch of a new dressing-room fines system for the smallest of infringements, with the kitty paying for the Christmas shindig.

And asked how new boys are coping, McCann laughed and said: “They struggle! One of the main ones is they walk around with no sliders on. They get fined every time ... we are pretty ruthless.

“It all goes to a good cause at Christmas time.

“The kitty is bigger than this time last year. The boys previously were streetwise to it whereas these boys don’t have a clue so you’re taking money out their pocket.”

A trip to Celtic after three weeks idle isn’t half a welcome to Scottish football for the new Bairns but McCann showed last season he can cut it at Premiership level. Even so, he’s still having to fight for a jersey under a relentless McGlynn.

McCann added: “That lights the fire in your belly to keep on going.

“I felt last season I proved I was more than good enough to play in this league.

“I just want to continue that, try to get better and hopefully stay in the team for as long as possible and play as many games as I can.

“I don’t want to be second choice anywhere. I feel like I should be playing but it’s healthy competition.”

SCOTT: Again, deeper issues regarding ownership and recruitment exist at Celtic as well! But their collapse in Linz against LASK is down to the players on the pitch who allowed a 4-goal lead to slip from their grasp and exited the Champions League with a whimper. It was unforgivable.

MICHAEL: Celtic’s second half set-up was shambolic and the coaching staff and players have to carry the can for their failure to revert to a crisis management plan. But the collapse was highlighted by the glaring gaps in the squad in terms of key positions and strength in depth, and that’s on the men at the top failing to get sufficient deals done in time. They all carry the can.

FRASER: This one lies squarely with the players and management. Losing a four goal lead with just over half a game of football to play is ridiculous. The collapse - in terms of control of the game and fitness wise - was staggering. The side, including subs, was full of international footballers and should have coped far better.

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