Aidan Keena in action for Falkirk last year. Photo: Ian Sneddon

Mullingar man could feature against Celtic tonight

A big moment in the football career of Mullingar man Aidan Keena could be afoot tonight, with the striker poised to feature for Falkirk against Celtic in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Paul Hughes

Published: Sat 3 Apr 2021, 12:08 PM

Keena (21) has made three league appearances for the Bairns since Scotland’s League One resumed on March 20 following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The former Mullingar Athletic, St Patrick’s Athletic, Hearts and Hartlepool clubman hasn’t found the net yet, but impressed as Falkirk defeated Montrose and Forfar before drawing with Dumbarton last Tuesday night.

Keena, who is capped for Ireland at U21 level, impressed in preseason for Falkirk but was hit by injury last autumn and ruled out until Christmas; Covid, however, intervened and stalled the third tier of the Scottish League for three months.

The no. 9 could well lead the line for Falkirk in Celtic Park tonight, and the match – one of the biggest of Keena’s career to date – will air on Premier Sports 1 from 7.30pm.

⚽It's Matchday, Bairns!

🏆We take on @CelticFC in the @ScottishCup tonight, live only on @PremierSportsTV!

⏰Kick off at Celtic Park is at 7.30pm this evening. pic.twitter.com/iDBkXdy33P
— Falkirk FC (@FalkirkFC) April 3, 2021

The Bairns will hope to take advantage of some ongoing turmoil at Celtic, the current Scottish Cup holders. The Bhoys recently lost their long-held Scottish Premiership crown to bitter rivals Rangers, and are currently without a manager, with John Kennedy stepping in as caretaker.