MX23RW : Friday, November 15 03:58:30| >> :600:113470:113470:

David Martindale determined to secure European football

Livi go into their final five matches in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership.

Livingston manager David Martindale has challenged his side to cap a memorable season by securing European football.

Livi go into their final five matches in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership, which could be enough for a European place depending on who wins the Scottish Cup.

Fourth spot would definitely seal a European spot and Martindale's side sit five points behind Aberdeen ahead of Saturday's trip to Celtic Park.

"Reaching the top six and a cup final probably has exceeded our expectations," Martindale said.

"For the season to end on a fantastic footing, we need to try and secure European football.

"But if we were to finish sixth and reach a national final, on reflection I think we would all agree that's been a fantastic success for Livingston Football Club.

"I will keep the pressure on and I have a good squad of players who I think will keep the pressure on themselves and keep putting demands on one another.

"The three or four games previously to securing the top six, I think you could see a bit of nervousness in the players in the way they were approaching games and within games we were making mistakes that we hadn't made in the previous 14 games.

"Once we had secured the top six, I think you could see that lifted from the players and they start to play with a bit more freedom.

"There's a fantastic opportunity to finish in fifth and if we can pick up an unexpected three points it would make St Johnstone's job that little bit harder."

ID:442351: cacheID:442351:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2403:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
General view of Almondvale Stadium, home to Livingston, from 2005
Read Next:
David Martindale insists Livingston "good value" for cup win
>
Read more about David Martindale Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1FalkirkFalkirk1310212781932
2Livingston137511810826
3Ayr UnitedAyr136431912722
4Queen's ParkQueen's Park136431412222
5Partick ThistlePartick13553128420
6Hamilton AcademicalHamilton134361820-215
7Raith Rovers134361115-415
8Greenock MortonMorton13256817-911
9Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline132381015-59
10AirdrieoniansAirdrieonians131210626-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!