Burns hoping Falkirk do not add to his woes

TOMMY BURNS referred media inquiries to his wife last week after reports of his resignation as Celtic manager proved to be greatly exaggerated.

Today first division outsiders Falkirk take aim at Ibrox to try and add to the Parkhead chief's trouble and strife.

Managing director Fergus McCann issued yet another denial, insisting nobody has been approached about the manager's position at Celtic with a full review of the "football department" to take place at the end of the season.

Now 90 minutes at Ibrox today and outsiders Falkirk are all that separate Burns and his Bhoys from a place in the Scottish Cup final against either Dundee United or Kilmarnock on May 24th.

Only one man, McCann, really knows if in the event that would be a farewell appearance for Burns after a three year tenure.

The manager's initial term is up and, so far, there has been no offer of a new contract.

Burns has some selection decisions to make after keeping £2.4 million Tommy Johnson on the bench for the first 45 minutes of last week's 1-1 draw with Raith.

Defender Malky Mackay and midfielder Peter Grant are both suspended while skipper Paul McStay is expected to recover from the groin injury.

Johnson will surely start the game after Celtic rushed through his transfer a fortnight ago to beat a 14 day Cup semi final registration deadline.

And Italian inspiration Paolo Di Canio will be a key player for Celtic as they look to repeat their Cup triumph of 1995 when Burns led them to a 1-0 win over Airdrie at Hampden to end six barren years.

Falkirk head for Ibrox in good heart after enjoying a revival since Alex Totten took over in January.

Totten is back for his second spell at the club he followed as a youngster, watching them in every round 40 years ago when Falkirk last won the Cup by beating Kilmarnock after a replay.