Kevin McAllister is concerned that Falkirk won't be able to cope with life in the SPL if they persist in playing kids. A 2-0 defeat to Vaduz in Liechtenstein saw Falkirk fail at the first hurdle and convinced McAllister some mature heads are needed when the season begins.

He told the Daily Record: "It's a harsh lesson for the team.

"They have had their fingers burnt against a side from Liechtenstein which is a country hardly renowned for winning football games.

"It's a sore one and there is no disguising the fact it was a very poor result.

"What is clear to me is the need for a few experienced men to help out the young boys.

"With the exception of Jackie McNamara there is a real youthfulness about the team and I would be concerned if Falkirk were to go with that approach in the SPL.

"It's not an environment to be expecting kids to carry the load against strong and experienced opposition.

"They cannot allow themselves to be bullied by opponents and it's going to be a steep learning curve this season for Eddie as well as the players but being knocked out of Europe could provide a dose of reality as to what's needed.

"I don't know what the budget situation is at the club and maybe their hands are tied.

"But I played in the same Falkirk side as Eddie and he's experienced enough to know what's required so I'd be surprised if there aren't one or two arrivals before the season starts to bolster the squad."