Slimline Higdon reaping rewards of new Falkirk partnership with Steve Lovell

Oct 5 2008 By Gordon Waddell

MICHAEL HIGDON scored four goals in two visits to Motherwell last season - despite admitting he could barely make it up the Fir Park slope.

Now he's shed almost a stone and acquired a quality strike partner.

And Higdon insists Falkirk are about to reap even bigger benefits as he goes back to his happy hunting ground this afternoon.

The Scouse striker has been leading the line like a dream in the last few games since teaming up with new boy Stevie Lovell.

And he believes their fledgling partnership up front is perfect - because they each do what the other can't.

Former Crewe man mountain Higgy said: "I played at Fir Park twice last season and scored two against Gretna on my debut then two against Motherwell.

"I liked the venue - but hated running up the slope! Thankfully I'm carrying a few less pounds going there this time. I'm the lightest I've ever been, 91.5 kilos, just over 14 stones.

"We get fined £25 if we go above our weight target. Last year I was skint! My limit is two kilos higher so I've not a lot of leeway.

"That's the professionalism of the club, the way they maintain our standards so strictly. I appreciate it now and it makes a difference to your game."

The other big difference has been the arrival of a fit Lovell playing off him.

He said: "I didn't score last week against Hamilton but felt I had a good game. I take a lot of pride in contributing like I did on Saturday.

"Our balance is right.

Stevie and I are building a good partnership - me going short, him getting in behind, doing things I can't because I'm not the quickest.

"He gives us the option of a ball over the top too so the team seems to be clicking.

"Burton O'Brien has really impressed me since he came in and Scotty Arfield is following suit."

Holding up play is a big man's art form but Higdon fears his size works against him with refs when he tries to back down defenders.

He said: "Against Queen of the South a couple of weeks ago I actually had to ask to be subbed.

"I was booked for dissent in the first five minutes, which was my own fault, but eventually the ref said: 'One more incident and you're off.' "I had to take myself out because I couldn't touch the guy who was defending me - yet all I was doing was using my strength.

"That's what Kenny Dalglish did - pin his man then look for his options. If you can't touch your man what chance do you have?"