FALKIRK captain David McCracken has never stopped believing he should be playing in Scotland’s top flight and is determined to book a return there tomorrow. Peter Houston’s side head for Rugby Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership play-off final tomorrow with a 1-0 first-leg win over Kilmarnock in the bag.

McCracken thought he was set for a further year in the top league with St Johnstone in 2013, but no deal was forthcoming after he was told he needed knee surgery. The defender said: “I still see myself as a top-league player and I don’t think you should ever not look at it like that. The way I left St Johnstone was unfortunate, but that’s all done with now.

“I’ve had a great time here at Falkirk and great opportunities to take the club back up again. For me, it would be a very proud moment as captain to do that. But there is a lot to be done on Sunday.”

Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark pleaded with the fans to get behind their team. He said: “Give us your support. Don’t get frustrated if things aren’t starting particularly well. We hope that is not the case. We are going to come out of the traps really quickly but just stick with us to the last kick of the game, the last whistle – that is all I am asking for.”