JOSH MULLIN insists he’s determined to make an impression at Livingston after a year away from the club.
The winger, 29, spent last season on loan with Hamilton Accies in the Championship.
The former Ross County forward admits that move was probably one he shouldn’t have pushed for.
However, with four goals in Livi’s two most recent games during pre-season and the Premier Sports Cup, Mullin is aiming to make an impact on David Martindale’s starting line-up.
He said: “It’s great to be back. I did impress on Tuesday night. Afterwards I touched on it, I’ll be the first to say that I probably shouldn’t have went out on loan last season. That’s just the way it worked out.
“I tried to make sure I came back working hard, hitting the ground running.
“I know it was a friendly on Tuesday night, but I’ve scored four goals in two games now so I want to keep trying to score and set up goals when I get my chance on the pitch.
“Davie and I are always honest with each other. If you ask him, my running stats are always up there.
“I like my running so it was just a case of making sure I was ticking over so that I could come in and make a real impression.”
Martindale is happy to have Mullin back in his squad, although insists the player will need to work hard to remain in his thoughts.
The Lions were 3-2 winners on matchday one of the Premier Sports Cup group stages on Saturday.
They led Albion Rovers 3-0 at one stage, however, allowed their League Two opponents back into the match with a couple of sloppy errors.
Asked about Mullin, the Livi gaffer said: “Josh will need to work hard. I’m delighted he’s chosen to stay because he asked to go out on loan last season.
“I’ve got a squad of 23. Wide players are the ones you’re looking to change the most in games, especially if you’re losing.
“He’s done well in the two games he’s played, so fair play. It’s going to be a long season. There’s aspects of his game that Josh understands I need more from. If he can add that he’ll be very effective for us.”
On Saturday’s cup tie, Mullin reflected: “I think the first-half was fairly comfortable. We did the right things and we got a couple of goals.
“Big Noubs and I came off at half-time, so we were still in the changing room when we heard celebrating and we weren’t sure if it was for Albion or Livi.
“It was obviously for us so it was great at 3-0 and you’re thinking that’s it done.
“But with one mistake we’ve conceded a goal which puts a wee dent on it. Then of course they scored a second, which was pretty slack from our point of view, I don’t think anybody is happy with it to be honest.
“It’s just about trying to get the errors out of the way right now before we get into the higher level opposition.
“These are the places you need to come when it’s the cup games. We’ve touched on it, we’ve been to Hampden, we’ve been in a cup final.
“So, if you want to get there again you need to come and do it on days like this.
“We probably should’ve kept a clean sheet, it wasn’t to be, we’ll analyse it and then go again on Tuesday.
“We’re playing Inverness, which will be a tougher opponent so we’ll need to be back at it.”
