Alex MacDonald is determined to fire Falkirk off the bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, after responding to manager Eddie May's fitness warning.

The on-loan Burnley striker is set to face St Johnstone on Saturday, having made his first start since August during Saturday's goalless draw at Hearts.

The 19-year-old's return followed a heart-to-heart with May when he was told to improve his stamina, and his lifestyle.

MacDonald responded by adapting his diet and undergoing individual training sessions with coach Steven Pressley to shed pounds and get back in the manager's plans.

"Previously he wasn't in any physical condition to start a game," said May.

"We pointed that out to him. To his credit, he has come back in good condition - and we're seeing the benefit on the park.

"Fair play to Alex - he shouldn't be in that condition in the first place but he has adapted.

"Alex is young and he has come away from home - he has experienced a different lifestyle - so sometimes it takes a bit of adapting as a young boy.

"Alex knows where he wants to go, and he certainly knows where we want to take him."

MacDonald, on a six-month loan from Burnley, said: "It's brilliant to be back playing.

"I needed to get fitter. But now all that's behind me I hope it's onwards and upwards from here.

"I lost some fitness, so some extra work on the training ground has worked.

"It was just me and 'Elvis' at times out there. He has worked me very hard, and now I'm seeing the benefits."

MacDonald accepts he was not doing things right beforehand.

"It's not the first time I've lived away from home, so I'm not putting that down as an excuse.

"I hope it's just a little blip that everyone has. I've had a lot of advice on nutrition, which was well-needed.

"I'm just looking to put it behind me and take it into Saturday and hopefully get three points."

MacDonald's return to the starting line-up came seven days after he claimed his first career goal, when he came off the bench in the 3-1 defeat by St Mirren.

But defender Brian McLean insisted he got the crucial final touch, after MacDonald's header came off the underside of the bar.

"It's definitely my goal," MacDonald claims, however.

"Big Brian was bitter about it when we got back into the changing room.

"He wants to go to the league and the referee - so I've said if he's that bothered about it, he can have it!"

Meanwhile, striker Paul Sludden - top scorer in the SPL under-19s league last season - has joined East Fife on a three-month loan deal.