Falkirk Complete 17th Signing as John McGlynn Delivers Strong Owen Eames Verdict Ahead of Dundee United

The 17th addition to Falkirk’s squad, Eames has joined from Derby for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership campaign after spending time around the Rams’ first-team group this season.

The versatile youngster could make his Falkirk debut against Dundee United on Saturday, with McGlynn confirming that he is in contention to either start or make an appearance from the bench.

McGlynn explains how Falkirk landed Eames

Falkirk had been tracking Eames and moved to secure his services after receiving encouragement from Derby.

McGlynn revealed that first-team coach Stephen McGlynn played a role in making the connection, having previously worked alongside Derby boss John Eustace at Watford.

The manager also praised Falkirk scout Alan Fraser for his work in identifying potential recruits.

“He is someone that we really liked the look of,” McGlynn said.

“You get so many players put to you... Alan Fraser, our scout, puts a lot of hard work and digs up good players from all over the place.”

McGlynn explained that contact between McGinn and Eustace helped move the deal forward, although Falkirk had to be patient before everything was completed.

Derby teenager offers Falkirk versatility

One of the biggest attractions for Falkirk is Eames’ ability to operate in several positions.

McGlynn believes the youngster can play anywhere across the attacking positions while also dropping into central midfield.

“He's very versatile. He can play across all of the attacking positions, and he can actually go back into centre-mid too. He can basically play anywhere.”

That flexibility could prove particularly useful over the course of a long Premiership campaign.

Eames has also already been exposed to Derby’s first-team environment, something McGlynn believes demonstrates the regard in which he is held by his parent club.

“He's been in and around Derby's first team and they think that he has future there,” the Falkirk boss said.

McGlynn impressed by Eames’ mentality

Despite not being the biggest player on the pitch, Eames has qualities that McGlynn believes can help him make an immediate impact.

The Falkirk boss particularly highlighted his technical ability, pressing and goalscoring potential.

“He is not the biggest but he has the heart of a lion.”

“He is technically very good. He presses the ball very well and has goals in him. There's a lot to like.”

The midfielder therefore arrives with the potential to give Falkirk another energetic option in attacking areas while retaining the ability to contribute further back.

Falkirk ‘looking strong’ for Dundee United

Eames could make his debut at Tannadice this weekend, with McGlynn reporting encouraging news on the rest of his squad.

Joe Gardner has returned from injury and is available for selection, while Falkirk suffered no fresh injuries during Wednesday night’s match.

CJ Fodrey, who came off with calf cramp, has also been declared fit.

“We've lost no-one from Wednesday night,” McGlynn said. “Everyone came through that unscathed. Joe Gardner is available for selection.”

“We've got Owen in. He is good, young player who comes into the squad. We're looking strong.”

That gives McGlynn a significant boost ahead of a challenging trip to Dundee United.

What happens next?

Eames could now be handed his Falkirk debut against Dundee United, either from the start or as an option from the bench.

For Falkirk, the loan represents an opportunity to add another young player with first-team exposure and considerable positional flexibility.

With the Bairns’ summer incomings now complete at 17, McGlynn believes he has a squad in strong shape.

The next test is whether Eames and his new teammates can turn that depth into another positive result at Tannadice.