St Johnstone’s Josh Falkingham may only be 5ft 5ins tall but he made a big impression when he came on to make his debut for the club against Falkirk on Wednesday night.
The former Leeds youngster has had question marks against his name throughout his career because of his diminutive stature.
However, if he ever needs any further inspiration to prove the doubters wrong, then he looks no further than his team-mate Jody Morris who, despite also only being 5ft 5ins, has carved out a successful career at top clubs including Chelsea and Leeds.
Falkingham’s manager Derek McInnes praised the 19-year-old’s performance against the Bairns, and also said, “He has been a breath of fresh air at the club.
“He’s only wee, but he makes a lot of noise.”
The player responded, “Being small, you need to have a bit about yourself and hopefully that’s a good thing if he said that.
“There are some massive characters in our dressing-room such as Dubs (Michael Duberry) and Jody Morris.
“They are great people to have around you, especially for me as a young boy, and they have been a big help.
“I have had to put up with the height issue throughout my career at Leeds so it is something I have become used to. At the end of the day, I just put it to the back of my mind.
“I know people may look at me and think, ‘He is too small,’ but hopefully when they see me doing my stuff on the pitch, then they will think again.
“Jody has been an inspiration to me. He is not the biggest either but he has had a great career. I look at him and think, if he can do it…”Penalty claimSaints looked to have won a stonewall penalty on Wednesday when Falkingham was bundled over by Falkirk keeper Robert Olejnik.
Referee Craig Thomson saw it differently, a decision that sparked fury amongst the St Johnstone players, including Falkingham.
Falkingham was guarded in his response to questions about the controversy.
“I thought there was contact and I went down,” he said. “I was not happy but the referee did not give it so you can’t complain.”
He may have kept his counsel about the spot kick but Falkingham was more effusive about the man who recommended him to St Johnstone former Leeds boss Gary McAllister and his hopes for the future.
“Gary McAllister was in charge at Leeds when I was coming through the youth system at the club,” he said.
“He was really keen on bringing youth players up into the first team. It was so unfortunate when he was sacked.
“After he left, I was struggling, so I got in touch with him as I thought he would have contacts in Scotland. He helped me out and I am totally thankful to him.
“I have really enjoyed the last few months up here and I would love to stay. I just hope the manager gives me that chance.”