FALKIRK midfielder Mark Kerr is a popular young man these days. His performances at the fulcrum of Alex Totten's promotion-chasing side this season have been noted by several of the big name clubs on both sides of the Border, and, yesterday, his contribution to the Bairns' ascent to joint top of the first division was rewarded with a double Bell's.
The 18-year-old collected both the Young Player and Player of the Month plaques from the sponsors, and as interest heightens in the young playmaker, Totten conceded he is fighting a losing battle to hang on to his prized asset.
Falkirk's precarious financial situation means the manager has no other option than to nurture his own talent, but by becoming a ''breeding ground,'' with Kerr joined in the first team by fellow teenagers Stephen Rennie, Ian Morris, and Stephen Craig, Totten realises he may struggle to hold on to them for the duration of the club's most important campaign in years.
Having lost out on promotion to the Premier League last year because crumbling Brockville failed to meet SPL criteria, Falkirk are determined to have their new ground, in Westfield, ready by the March deadline, by which time they hope to be in promotion pole position.
''I have had a lot of faxes from clubs in Scotland and England wanting to send a representative to our games, and I'm sure many of them have come to see Mark,'' he said. ''It makes things difficult for us, but I would never stand in the way of anybody who could move to a bigger club and earn bigger wages.''
Kerr has been at Falkirk for five years after the dream of playing for his boyhood heroes, Celtic, was pricked by a Parkhead youth coach, but under the guidance of Totten, he has emerged as one of the hottest properties in the first division.
He made his debut against Hibs two years ago during an injury crisis at the club, and towards the end of last term became a regular in the first-team squad. However, it was in pre-season that he finally came of age, convincing Totten that he was worthy of a sustained run in the first team. He has not been let down.
''He has been a sensation for us this season - an ever-present whose application is tremendous,'' he said. ''He was with us since he was 13, and it is always nice to see a player coming through the ranks. It was the same with Callum Davidson. I signed him for St Johnstone when he was 14, and now he is playing with Leicester, who are at the top of the Premiership. It gives me great satisfaction, and that is the big selling point for Falkirk - we will give young kids the chance.''
There is no doubt Kerr has a real chance of reaching the top of his profession. His shy demeanour belies a fiery, combative on-field nature, which, allied to his well-honed technique, suggests he is destined for greater things.
He found out he had been named Player of the Month while preparing to fly out with the Scotland Under-18s for a three-team tournament, and although he was not involved against the host nation or Yugoslavia, Kerr is determined to make his mark at under-21 level.
''My only ambition is to be the best that I can be,'' said the quiet-spoken, pencil-thin Kerr. ''Alex has been absolutely brilliant with me because he has given me a chance and keeps me on my toes, and now that I am too old for under-18, I will have to try to get into Alex Smith's squad.
''I was a bit shocked that I didn't get a game in Sweden. I was on the bench but I thought I would at least get on for a part of one of the matches.
''I was also surprised to hear about the awards - I didn't even know there was one for young player, and to win both is great. The most important thing, though, is to help Falkirk win promotion, and I honestly think we can win the league if we manage to steer clear of injuries.''
