Falkirk have given Australian winger David Ninkovich a second week to prove himself, with manager John McGlynn hinting the trialist could turn into the club’s next Barney Stewart. The 23‑year‑old arrived from Perth Azzurri and earned a half‑hour cameo in Tuesday’s friendly win over Airdrie, but he remains unsigned and therefore ineligible for competitive matches.
Why is Ninkovich getting an extended trial?
McGlynn explained that the club wants to see the player settle after a long flight and adjust to Scottish football. “He’s still training with us. He obviously can’t take part in these games because he’s not a signed player,” the manager said. The Bairns plan to give him a look in the upcoming friendly against Genk, hoping the extra minutes will reveal whether he can handle the step up.
Could he become the next Barney Stewart?
John Baird recommended Ninkovich to McGlynn, and the manager admitted the comparison to former star Barney Stewart is tempting. “You never know, it could be a new Barney Stewart, who knows?” McGlynn mused. The club has a history of unearthing talent through trialists, and the manager stressed that while it won’t happen every time, giving chances is part of Falkirk’s DNA.
How does this fit into Falkirk’s current season?
The Bairns sit 6th in the Premiership with 46 points from 33 games, a recent run of LLLWL that has left them 24 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Their last result was a 2‑5 defeat to Rangers on 16 May 2026, and they have now lost five straight league games. The next fixture is a home clash with Ayr Utd on 14 July 2026, a match that could offer Ninkovich a chance to impress if he earns a contract.
What does the manager say about squad rotation?
With a congested schedule and a cup run on the horizon, McGlynn knows rotation is inevitable. “We couldn’t have come back any earlier, you have to give the guys a reasonable break and then just with the League Cup starting,” he noted. The manager added that the lack of pre‑season friendlies this year makes every training session and trial appearance even more valuable for assessing the squad.
What’s next for the trialist?
If Ninkovich impresses in the Genk friendly, he could be offered a short‑term deal ahead of the Ayr Utd game. McGlynn said the club will keep a close eye on his adaptation to the pace and physicality of Scottish football. For now, the winger must shake off jet‑lag, prove his fitness, and hope the manager’s gamble pays off.
