FALKIRK striker John Stewart wants to put his Hampden heartache behind him by proving he’s good enough for the SPL. The 23-year-old former Airdrie Academy pupil was a sub for Queen of the South against Rangers on Saturday in his final game of his loan spell for the First Division club. He is now set to meet Bairns boss John Hughes to discuss his long-term future and will try and convince him he can cut it in the top flight. He said: “I have a year left at Falkirk. I’d like to give it a go in the SPL but I need to speak to ‘Yogi’ and then take it from there. I believe I can still make it at that level and that’s where I want to play my football. “That’s where everyone wants to play and I’m no different. “I’m 23 now and want to be pushing for a starting place every week. We will just have to see what the manager’s plans are and take it from there.” Stewart grabbed the famous winner after coming off the bench for the Doonhamers in the 4-3 win over Aberdeen in the semi-final. He couldn’t find another goal on Saturday but admitted he’s loved his time at the Dumfries club. He added: “We didn’t start the game well. We’ve had the four weeks off and I think that showed. We were very sloppy. But the boys were magnificent in the second half against one of the best sides in Europe. We came very close to causing an upset. “The four-week break was tough. We organised bounce games. Bounce games are one thing but a final is something else. “I was disappointed I couldn’t make a difference this time. It would have been good for me to get on a wee bit earlier. I was actually waiting to get on at 2-2 but they’ve gone up and scored. It was the manager’s choice and it wasn’t our day. But I think we can all be proud of a great achievement to get to the final. “It’s been a great experience for me. I’ve loved it. The manager and boys have been first class.” | 
Article
