The hosts also had to do without Burton O'Brien, with Kevin McBride coming in to replace him.

BBC: Falkirk 1-1 Kilmarnock

Hibernian, meanwhile, were without midfielder Kevin McBride after he picked up a hamstring injury against Rangers on Sunday.

BBC: Sport - Football - St Johnstone 5-1 Hibernian

Mark Reynolds then recovered from his own error to stop former Bairns midfielder Kevin McBride taking advantage of a one-on-one with Smith.

BBC: Motherwell 1-1 Falkirk

Experienced campaigners like Kevin McBride, John Rankin and Merouane Zemmama were posted missing in midfield, while Colin Nish laboured forlornly in the lone striker's role.

BBC: Hibernian 0-2 Rangers

Mensing had a shot bravely blocked by Barr at one end before Cerny fisted away Kevin McBride's powerful drive as Falkirk responded with a counter-attack.

BBC: Falkirk 4-1 Hamilton Academical

But he was forced to bring Steven Thicot into defence in place of the injured Michael Hart, while Colin Nish started in place of the suspended Kevin McBride.

BBC: Garry Brady, Craig Dargo and John Potter celebrate

The home side's first real chance came in the 17th minute when Rangers failed to clear Kevin McBride's dangerous cross and Scott Arfield found Michael Higdon, who fired over.

BBC: Falkirk 0-1 Rangers

Brown was perhaps fortunate to escape with just a yellow card for a stud-led challenge on Scobbie, while Kevin McBride followed him into the book for a similar challenge seconds later.

BBC: Celtic 4-0 Falkirk

Mallo was signed by Hughes for the Bairns midway through last season and the new Hibs boss has already been reunited with two former Falkirk players in midfielders Patrick Cregg and Kevin McBride.

BBC: Hibs drop keeper Mallo interest

Tam Scobbie glanced a header wide from a corner when he ought to have hit the target and Falkirk paid for that miss after 29 minutes after referee Willie Collum ruled that Kevin McBride had pushed Aiden McGeady.

BBC: Celtic 4-0 Falkirk