Hughes worked with McCann and McNamara as players at Falkirk

New Hibernian manager John Hughes has backed Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann's bid to succeed him at Falkirk.

Hughes' six-year spell in charge of the Bairns ended on Monday when he signed a three-year deal with his boyhood idols.

And veteran Bairns players McNamara and McCann are thought to have expressed an interest in making a joint application.

"I don't think that would be a bad one. They would get right good continuity within the team," said Hughes, who signed the pair last summer.

"But, no matter who it is, I just wish them all the best in getting the right appointment."

Both McNamara and McCann are former Scotland internationals.

McNamara played for Dunfermline, Celtic and Wolves before joining the Bairns, while McCann was with Dundee, Hearts, Rangers and Southampton.

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Hughes initially began his own managerial career at Falkirk in a joint role with Owen Coyle, who went on to success on his own with St Johnstone and Burnley.

Falkirk's board were meeting on Tuesday evening to consider drawing up a shortlist for the job.

Partick Thistle's Ian McCall was one of those thought to be up for discussion, but it appears that he is out of the running having gone on to sign a new contract with the First Division club on Wednesday.

Former Celtic and Wales striker John Hartson is thought to be interested in being Falkirk manager.

Alex Rae, the former Dundee manager, former Scotland defender Steven Pressley, who retired as a player with Falkirk at the end of the season, Queen of the South manager Gordon Chisholm and Falkirk youth coach Eddie May are also thought to be in the running.

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