Irons: Kenny Loan Pays Interest

Jan 20 2008 By Brian Welsh

DEFIANT Gretna boss Davie Irons insists it was not a mistake to let Kenny Deuchar go out on loan earlier in the season - despite the striker's inspired form since his return.

Deuchar followed up his midweek goal against Rangers with the crucial opener as the basement boys claimed a morale-boosting win over Falkirk.

But Irons believes his team are reaping the benefits from former Bairn Deuchar's stint at St Johnstone. He said: "I've no regrets about letting Kenny go out on loan, you can't look back. He has points to prove to a lot of people. This time it was his old team Falkirk.

"The biggest thing for Kenny is he enjoys his football. He has been to Northampton and scored goals, won a cup at St Johnstone and has come back better and more experienced."

Falkirk manager John Hughes insisted the state of the Fir Park pitch had worked against his side. He said: "The surface was not conducive to our style of play and we had to mix it up.

"But all credit to Gretna who were spirited and determined. I saw them on Tuesday and Rangers had to be professional to beat them.

"If it was good enough for Rangers it should have been good enough for Falkirk but some of my players misunderstood my team-talk.

"We got what we deserved - nothing.

"My players were there in body but not in spirit. I asked them for some fight and they didn't give me any."