BRAD MCKAY joked that he'd "not be popping the champagne" on Saturday night but admitted he was pleased for parent club Falkirk on their League One success - even if he's set to leave.
The on-loan Kelty Hearts centre back found out that the Bairns had clinched the title, and promotion back to the Championship, in the New Central Park dressing room after helping his temporary side to victory over Edinburgh City.
Since joining Michael Tidser's outfit in January, the 31-year-old has made 10 appearances, and is eager to help them go and secure their third tier status in their remaining five matches.
Former Heart of Midlothian and Inverness Caledonian Thistle star McKay, who helped Dunfermline win League One during a successful loan stint in 2016, has spent three years with Falkirk, but looks to set to depart when his contract expires this summer.
Injury restricted him to just five appearances - two in the league, and three in the Viaplay Cup - for John McGlynn's team this season before he moved to Kelty and, speaking to Press Sport, he said: "They'll be delighted.
"Obviously I'm delighted for them as well because I've spent the best part of three years there, and, this season, I've been there for about six months before I came here. They're all great lads and they deserve it thoroughly, with the work they put in.
"You're not directly a part of it but I still go in through the week and do bits and pieces. On a Monday and a Friday, I'll go in there, and we train Tuesday and Thursday here. Some of the young guys that are on loan train during the day with their parent clubs, and at night (with Kelty) but not me. I can't do that at this age, especially on the astro - I can't cope with that!
"But they've been great with me. The manager there said to me whatever works for you best to go and get games, and I had to do what I had to do personally for myself to get games, and get back in the window for maybe the summer.
"I'll not be popping the champagne when I get home - we've got a battle to fight here - but, as I said, I'm delighted for them. Hopefully they can go on and go the full season undefeated because I know that was something that they wanted to do. That would be amazing for them to do that.
"Good for them. They all deserve it."
When asked if he was of the mindset that he'll plying his trade elsewhere next season, McKay continued: "There's boys signing new contracts there and I'm probably not under any illusions that it looks like I'll be moving on.
"You know how it is. You probably find out before now, and have conversations before now, if you're going to stay on.
"I didn't play much part this season just with injury, so I had to come out on loan, so if I'm being honest, it's probably looking like I'll be moving on in the summer.
"I'm thankful to everybody here, and the gaffer here, for taking me because I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far. I'll certainly enjoy it a bit more if we, or when we, secure our safety in the league."
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