Falkirk boss Steven Pressley has confirmed the club are close to agreeing a new contract with full-back Kieran Duffie.

The 19-year-old has been an important part of the Bairns team which sits second in the First Division and has reached the League Cup semi-finals.

Scotland Under-21 international Duffie made his debut against Aberdeen in February 2010 before becoming a key part of the first team.

The defender has attracted the interest of several clubs in England but Pressley is keen to keep hold of his young star.

He told Falkirk’s official website: "We are also close to a new deal for Kieran as well and again there's just a couple of minor details to be ironed out. It's important that we secure our younger players and a few are now signed until 2014. It gives us security on them.

“The development of the young players is vital to this club. We have an excellent recruitment scheme and we want these players to have a loyalty to the Club. They are fully committed to Falkirk F.C. and they have a degree of responsibilty to the club. If and when they move on, they will benefit and the Club will benefit too."

Pressley is also aiming to agree a new deal with winger David Weatherston, with his contract set to expire in January.

He added: "We have agreed almost everything - there's only one or two wee things that need to be sorted out but it should be OK and David hopefully will stay with us until the end of the season.”

“I am delighted with what he has done so far and he has surpassed expectations. I know there is a lot more to come from him. He's been here now for two or three months and it suits him, especially the style of football we play. David is delighted to be here and is keen to stay."