Falkirk boss John McGlynn beamed about his players’ stunning showing at Celtic Park as they gave the Scottish Premiership champions a real scare in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

John McGlynn reckons his Bairns can blast towards promotion after getting the backing of Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic boss came into the Falkirk dressing room after the 5-2 Premier Sports Cup win to pay tribute to the performance.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Falkirk counterpart - and former colleague - John McGlynn for a top-level job in the future. McGlynn, 62, worked as an analyst on Rodgers' staff after joining Celtic in 2015 when Ronny Deila was in charge.

John McGlynn is flattered to be linked with the St Johnstone managerial vacancy but insisted he is happy where he is and intent on returning to the Scottish Premiership with Falkirk. The 62-year-old was installed as one of the early favourites to replace Craig Levein, who was sacked by the top-flight strugglers earlier this week.

Falkirk gave Celtic an almighty scare as they became the first team this season to score twice against them.

Rodgers labelled Falkirk the best team Celtic have come up against this season - and fans think it was a dig at Rangers

Falkirk manager John McGlynn says his focus is on achieving more success with the Bairns – having been linked with the vacant St Johnstone job.

Brendan Rodgers needed his big guns in the end after Falkirk did what Premiership teams haven't and put his team on the ropes

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers felt Falkirk had posed their biggest challenge of the season but he took responsibility for a disjointed first hour after making eight changes. Falkirk led at Celtic Park approaching the final 20 minutes but substitute Nicolas Kuhn produced two assists for Adam Idah and two goals himself as the Hoops set up a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.