Rangers slip up as double chasing youths prepare for Falkirk challenge

Celtic's double chasing u-19 side travel to Stirling University tomorrow to face Falkirk with the match kicking-off at 11am.

Last week's 1-0 win over Rangers has put Stevie Frail's side into the driving seat for the title with just three matches left to play after the clash with Falkirk.

Rangers 0-0 draw with St Johnstone earlier today leaves the young hoops six points clear at the top of the table with Rangers having played a game fewer.

A win tomorrow against Falkirk, who they defeated 4-1 last month, would stretch Celtic's lead at the top of the table to nine points.

With the SFA Youth Cup to be contested against Rangers at Hampden on April 28 the u-19 side have the possibility of winning the double but Frail has been keeping their attention focussed on Falkirk.

He said: "I know it's cliched we can't afford to look any further than the next match and Falkirk will be a tough match for us.

"The players are looking forward to the match and we've had a good week in training after the result last week against Rangers.

"We had a bounce game against Airdrie during the week where we played a few of our under-seventeen players and we had some players involved in the reserves 4-1 win over Hamilton.

"We've got ourselves into a good position in the league but we have to keep on winning, we're looking forward to the Falkirk match, we're confident about it but we know it will be another tough test."

Whatever level Celtic play Rangers at the match will always be the benchmark to judge players against.

Last Saturday's 1-0 win at Murray Park over Billy Kirkwood's team couldn't be described as a classic but showed the nerve and professionalism of the squad.

While developing and encouraging players is important installing a winning mentality is just as vital.

Frail added: "There was a lot to be encouraged with from the win last week, looking back at the game I was pleased with the professionalism that we showed.

"The game was tight but we held our nerve and even when we didn't have the ball we worked well.

"It might be a cynical part of the game but when we went in front we used the ball well, we played out time in the right areas.

"Even at senior level you see teams losing important goals late on and it's important to use the ball well when you are ahead in a tight match.

"The win last week was pleasing but we've got to move forward now and everyone is concentrating on facing Falkirk."