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Firefighter captains Stranraer hours after Glasgow helicopter crash rescue duties

Firefighter Frank McKeown plays 90 minutes of Scottish Cup football for Stranraer just hours after taking part in the rescue effort at the scene of the Glasgow helicopter crash.

Firefighter Frank McKeown played 90 minutes of Scottish Cup football for Stranraer on Saturday afternoon just hours after taking part in the rescue effort at the scene of the Glasgow helicopter crash.

The 27-year-old was among a group of over 100 firefighters working through the night at The Clutha pub, after the venue had been devastated by a police chopper in an incident that has left at least eight people dead.

Despite getting just one hour of sleep, defender McKeown captained Stranraer in their cup tie at Clyde and helped his side come from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw.

"Obviously it was a bit of different build-up to a game," McKeown told BBC Sport. "Last night was a bit traumatic - an hour [of sleep] is what I got."

On the rescue effort, he added: "The emergency crews there did a great job."

A minute's silence was observed before all Scottish Cup matches on Saturday as a mark of respect to those involved in the tragedy.

"I took a wee moment to reflect on last night to be honest," McKeown told BBC Scotland. "Obviously, thoughts go out to friends and relatives and stuff. I suppose it does put things into perspective - it's only a game of football, you know.

"I feel okay just now. Busy last night and an hour's sleep, which is not like me because I like my sleep.

"It took me a wee while to get into the game, but I was glad I played. Basically just a bit of adrenaline and stuff got me through the game thankfully."

McKeown joined Stranraer from Arthurlie in 2011.

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