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Falkirk manager John Hughes has revealed veteran midfielder Russell Latapy is set to carry on playing next season.


The Trinidad and Tobago international will turn 39 in August but Hughes is confident Latapy will agree a new one-year deal with the Bairns.

Hughes said: "I was looking for Russell after the Motherwell game and I missed him. So I phoned him on the Sunday to thank him for what he's doing for Falkirk.

"For a guy whose 38 years old to come in and be here in the freezing cold, playing with young guys just learning the game and encouraging them tells you everything about his character.

"So I had to phone him up and thank him, his answer was 'no problem' because he's enjoying himself.

"Yes we can get another year out of him - as long as Dwight Yorke doesn't come up.

"We can definitely get another year out of him, we've got plans for him because of the way we want to play our football next year and Russell has a massive part to play for us.

"I looked around the dressing room and half-time and thought some of my players need baby-sitting because they are so young.

"I'll sit down with Russell and we've got such a strong relationship that he'll tell me if his body can handle it. If it can then he'll carry on for another year. I think he's definitely got another year. His touch and passing ability means he doesn't have to do running.

"I see him in training and on long runs guys will blow him out of the water but in short sharp bursts no-one will beat him."

Hughes admitted he is hopeful of securing former Celtic midfielder Colin Healy on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The 26-year-old is training with the Bairns and Hughes is desperate to add him to his squad.

He said: "Colin is someone we're definitely interested in. He joined us for training and did well. He has been unlucky with injuries but he is a good age and still has his best years ahead of him. We want to bring him to the club.

"We've given him the opportunity and we'd like to have him until the end of the season and then do something else long-term.

"He's a good professional and just needs that opportunity. He has good experience and I'd like to give him the window to show what he can do."