Mark Stewart has been ruled out of Falkirk's Europa League qualification second leg against Vaduz.
Bairns striker fails to recover in time for Europa League second-leg
Mark Stewart has been ruled out of Falkirk's Europa League qualification second leg against Vaduz in Liechtenstein.
Bairns manager Eddie May had hoped the 21-year-old would have shaken off the groin injury that kept him sidelined for the 1-0 first-leg win last week.
However May is now hopeful that the prolonged rest will see the striker recover in time for the opening game of the season away to Rangers on 15th August.
The Falkirk boss admitted that Stewart was desperate to play his part in the European qualifier but the club were determined not to risk him.
"Mark won't make the trip," May told the
Daily Record.
"We don't want to be too hasty with him. This game has come a bit too soon and the important thing is that he is ready for the big kick-off.
"He is desperate to play but everything must be right for him."
Tough task
Despite Stewart's absence, May is confident his young side can progress through to the next stage against Vaduz on Thursday.
"The job is halfway done but we still have a very difficult task," he added.
"They are a decent side and we'll have to be at our best to win but I'd rather be in the position we are in than to have lost an away goal."
