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Falkirk defender Dean Holden believes it is only a matter of time before the Bairns slip up but has urged his team-mates to bring in the new year by keeping their impressive run going against Kilmarnock.

John Hughes' side have only been beaten by Rangers and Celtic in their last 11 matches and are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory at Rugby Park after wins over Motherwell, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hearts.

They are finally showing the kind of match-winning form which was tipped to take them into the top-six this term after finishing last season in seventh spot.

Having never beaten Kilmarnock since returning to the SPL three seasons ago, Falkirk will be desperate to rack up another three points.

However, Holden knows they cannot become complacent if they are to continue climbing the table.

He said: "We've not been playing as much attacking and free-flowing football as we would like, or as we were earlier in the season, but we are working hard and we have improved defensively as a team.

"The work-rate has definitely improved and people are throwing themselves in front of shots to prevent goals. It shows that there are different parts to winning a game.

"Going into the lead in games has also given us great confidence because for a while we were dead and buried by the time half-time came, and we can't afford to start games like that.

"Everyone can beat everyone else outside of the Old Firm and it's about how you go about things on the day.

"We are on a good run at the moment and we know we will get turned over at some point - but hopefully we can keep it going for as long as possible."

Despite his side's recent revival, manager John Hughes has let his squad know in no uncertain terms they cannot allow their standards to drop.

The Westfield boss refused to speak to the media after the 1-0 victory over Inverness on Boxing Day because he was so upset by their display.

And Holden believes Hughes is right to be critical, even if they are winning.

He added: "He takes a lot of pride in the way we perform, he wants us to get on the ball and be brave by passing it.

"When our standards slip he's right on to us and he's right to do that to keep us on our toes, even if we have won the game."