MCLEAN CAP HOPE

The defender knocked back offers from Motherwell – where he had played since 2005 – and St Mirren to become May’s first capture after signing a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old, above, made his international debut for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Estonia in 2006.

However, McLean had previously appeared for Scotland Under-17s and an administration error meant his change of allegiance was not officially lodged prior to his 21st birthday, making him ineligible to represent his adopted nation again.

But a recent change in UEFA’s international rules have given him the all-clear to play for Northern Ireland again through the grand-parent rule – or indeed his country of birth.

McLean said: “Eddie May and his coaching staff sold Falkirk to me with their plans and ambitions. I just had a gut feeling that Falkirk was the right move for me.

“I believe the coaching staff and my new team-mates can really help me improve as a player and I think playing at Falkirk could help get me back into the international fold.

“Hopefully I can stay clear of injury and get a run of games that will get me back into the international reckoning for Scotland or Northern Ireland. But in the short-term I want to do my best for Falkirk.”