Falkirk yesterday moved to quickly dispel the disappointment of losing Rory Loy to Dundee by agreeing a new extended contract with January recruit John Baird.

Dundee caught Falkirk by surprise when they announced on Monday they had reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Loy on a two-year deal in the summer.

The Bairns had offered the former Rangers striker improved terms as recently as Friday after being informed by Dundee of their interest and were awaiting a response from the 26-year-old and his representatives. However, after failing in their bid to persuade Loy to stay on, the Westfield outfit have almost instantly been handed a welcome pick-me-up ahead of Friday's home encounter with Rangers.

Baird joined the club last month after leaving Queen of the South early and has already scored three times in six appearances. Having initially only agreed a short-term deal for the remainder of the campaign, the former Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Partick Thistle marksman has now been tied up until the end of next season.

With the option of a further year also included in the new contract, manager Peter Houston said: "John has already proved to be a handful for opposing defenders in the short time he has been here. "He is happy at Falkirk and the logical step was to extend his contract which we are pleased to have done. "He's a proven goalscorer so it's a good bit of business for us."