Football: Bairns in swoop for Beast.

Byline: Colin Duncan

FALKIRK have signed Austria Under-21 goalkeeper Robert Olejnik - nicknamed The Beast because of his huge frame - from Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old will start the season as Bairns No.1 following Kasper Schmeichel's return to Manchester City after his loan spell ended.

Olejnik didn't make a first-team appearance during three years at Villa Park but impressed Bairns boss John Hughes during a week-long trial.

The player said: "I am delighted to be here and it is a great opportunity to play first-team football.

"My agent told me what a fantastic club this is."

Hughes said: "Robert is young, fit and hungry and an imposing character between the posts."

Meanwhile, Falkirk have releasedMarc Twaddle and Ryan McStay after the pair turned down new contracts offers.

Twaddle said: "I have a couple ofoffers in and am weighing them up at the moment."

CAPTION(S):

IMPOSING: Keeper Olejnik