Scott Arfield is in the mood for promotion – and told Falkirk fans he’s here to take them up in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment after shooting down Partick Thistle.
The homecoming hero netted a hattrick on his return as the Bairns beat Partick Thistle 5-2 last weekend to retake top spot. He’ll be looking for the same against Ayr this afternoon and has already made an impact, with teammate Keelan Adams labelling him their ‘gaffer on the pitch’ – citing a similar influence to Celtic skipper Callum McGregor.
Arfield was the ‘interesting’ signing teased by John McGlynn in the buildup to deadline day and Falkirk fans, already belting out his name to the tune of Whigfield’s Saturday Night as they dream of a second straight promotion, are happy to have him back. And the fact he’s wearing No.37, a tribute to the tragic death of his pal Craig Gowans, makes it even sweeter.
After netting the second of his three goals against the Jags last weekend, a goal which put the Bairns in front and on course to return to the Championship summit, Arfield lapped it up in front of the south stand and pointed to the sky with a cheeky grin on his face – a gesture universally translated as ‘we’re going up.’ That of course is a long way from assured yet for John McGlynn’s league leaders but a win over Ayr at the Falkirk Stadium, which Arfield is hoping to inspire, would be a big step in that direction.
Teammate Adams, in any case, has been impressed by the impact the 36-year-old has made. Any questions over his legs were answered by his homecoming treble but it’s his voice, on and off the pitch, that caught Adams’ attention. “In the changing room Scott does like to have a wee word,” said Adams. “He also speaks to you individually, which is good. I’d say he’s like the gaffer on the pitch, which is really good.
“He’ll be the one you probably will listen to, then Coll’s maybe the one you can have more of a conversation back and forth and speak about things like he’s your mate. It’s a good balance. Even in training, Scott’s relaying what the gaffer says.
“You can see it with the top sides in Scotland, everyone’s got it. Celtic, Callum McGregor, they all talk about how he’s relaying what Brendan Rodgers says. It’s sort of the same dynamic. This is the type of game I’ve always wanted to play in, so I’m relishing it.”