Livingston boss David Martindale has challenged striker Sebastian Soto to be the man to fire the Lions into the top six.
The American international, on loan from Norwich City, has yet to start a game for Livi since his arrival in the winter transfer window but is likely to be called on to lead the line with top scorer Bruce Anderson potentially missing the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
The Lions travel to Perth on Saturday to take on St Johnstone in the penultimate game before the split.
They currently occupy sixth spot as they look to grab a place in the top half of the table for the third successive season.
However, just four points separate the seven teams between fourth-placed Dundee United and Aberdeen down in 10th.
Speaking to the Courier, Martindale said: “Bruce is proving to be a quick healer because he’s recovering really well. He’s got a good range of movement but he hasn’t done any running yet and it’s hard to properly judge until then.
“He’s in a better place right now than we thought he would be, but it’s too early to say whether he’ll play again this season.
“That means someone else needs to step up. There are others who can help out in the attack, but you’re probably really looking at Sebastian as more of a No.9 and a direct replacement for Bruce so he’s the one you’re wanting to see make that step.
“You put in the hard yards in training and make sure you’re mentally ready for when you get a chance. Bruce is out with injury and you’d have to say if Sebastian has aspirations of being the No.9 at Norwich City and playing international football, then he needs to show he can be the No.9 for Livingston first and he’s got a chance to do that.”
Their hosts at the weekend are scrapping for Premiership survival following a remarkable campaign last year that saw them win the cup double as well as finishing in the top six.
The Livi boss admits there’s a huge amount of pressure on both sides and that may lead to a scrappy contest.
He added: “I’ve spoken to the boys about the pressure. There’s good pressure and bad pressure. Would you rather be under pressure to reach the top six or to avoid relegation?
“We want to make sure that we cope with the good kind of pressure that comes with our league position.
“It will be an intriguing game because both sides need the points but there’s also plenty at stake so it might also end up being a risk averse type of contest. We’ll be going there with a game plan to win but it’s going to be a really tough game. St Johnstone are a good side and they’ll fancy their chances.
“We go there in a good position and full of confidence but there’s no divine right for Livingston to win any Premiership match.”
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