Falkirk v Hearts

May 4 2008 By Gordon Waddell

Exclusive Falkirk V Hearts Tomorrow, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live On Setanta

JILTED Jack Ross has vowed to give his lot for Falkirk in their final three SPL games despite signing a pre-contract with rivals St Mirren.

Bairns have stunned fans by failing to table a new deal for their skipper.

But the 31-year-old is not bitter - and wants to finish his stint at his hometown club in style.

Ross has been a rock on the right side of a Falkirk defence that has incredibly kept more league clean sheets than Rangers this season.

As they prepare for a final TV turn of the campaign against Hearts tomorrow Jack told MailSport: "I'm trying to strike a blend between being excited about the challenge ahead and respectful of what Falkirk have done for me.

"They brought me back from England and gave me a chance to captain a great team at places like Ibrox and Parkhead. I was part of a side who beat both the Old Firm in a season and I scored the first SPL winner at the new stadium.

"I take pride in all of that and was desperate to be part of a top-six side as well.

"I'm not sure if making the top half would maybe have changed things for me in terms of an offer.

"The gaffer said it might affect the budget, the managing director said it wouldn't.

"But ultimately they haven't offered me a deal to stay.

"A couple of months ago our manager John Hughes said he wanted to keep me.

"But no one ever sat me down or put anything on the table. The thing is I've had to sign one-year contracts three seasons in a row.

"I understand why clubs do it but it doesn't always work.

"I spoke to a local businessman recently who was a big fan of short deals and that's what he would do with his workforce .

"The guy said they kept his employees hungry.

"My argument is that if his guys are that good why not sign them up in case your rivals take them? You never exactly look for rewards but at some point you want a wee bit of security.

"So I signed with St Mirren last Wednesday and immediately called Yogi to tell him.

"I'm an honest man and did not want John hearing the news from some other source.

"Will Yogi play me now? I don't have a clue. He knows me and what I give him.

"I've enjoyed this season and playing for the club too much to just say 'I'm done'.

"If the boss wants to blood other people that's natural but I'd like to play.

"However, Yogi and I will not fall out over the situation no matter what happens because everything has been done the right way."

Ross was also on the radar of Kilmarnock and Aberdeen as it became clear that Falkirk were getting set to cast him adrift.

But the former Clyde and Hartlepool man was convinced by Gus MacPherson things are on the up for the Paisley side.

He said: "It's a great time for St Mirren with the new stadium coming along and the team consolidating in the SPL.

"It's a good challenge for me and sometimes you need that.

"I have to prove myself to a new manager, team-mates and set of fans but I'm constantly becoming a better player.

"I'm fitter now than I've ever been and ambitious to progress."