Paul Hartley has added Jimmy Nicholl to his new Falkirk back-room team, the Bairns have announced.

The former Rangers and Manchester United defender is currently number two to Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill and has previously managed Raith Rovers, Millwall and Cowdenbeath.

The 61-year-old has also racked up spells working as a coach at the likes of Dunfermline, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

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Now after handing him the assistant manager's role at the Falkirk Stadium, Hartley believes Nicholl's years of experience will help him get the most out of his new side.

Hartley - who was twice signed by Nicholl as a player when he was in charge of Raith Rovers and Milwall - said: "I am delighted to welcome a man of Jimmy's experience to the club.

"He is someone I have enjoyed working with previously and someone who I know will be a real asset to my backroom team.

"He has played and coached at an extremely high level and has enjoyed great success throughout his career. I am certain he will make a really positive impact throughout the club."

Nicholl takes up his Bairns role with immediate effect but will remain part of O'Neill's coaching team for next month's World Cup play-off.

"When I got the call from Paul to join him at Falkirk it was an opportunity which really excited me," said Nicholl. "Things have moved very quickly, but I am just delighted to get started and get back out on the training pitch.

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"Falkirk is a great club with fantastic facilities and infrastructure - any time I have been here previously I have been very impressed with what I have seen.

"There is great potential here and working with Paul and the players I hope to deliver on that."

Hartley has also brought in fitness coach Tam Ritchie having previously worked with him at Hearts, Dundee and Alloa.

The Falkirk boss added: "Tam is someone that works the players hard and keeps them in good shape. We have had a lot of success together.

"If you look back at my teams they have always been fit and organised. Tam is here to build with the players and help them to get better - he is outstanding at his job and I am pleased to have him on board."