Livingston manager David Martindale stated that Bruce Anderson is edging closer to first team action, although admitted that the forward would only have appeared against Kilmarnock as a last resort.
Anderson has had a troubled season so far with injuries, only appearing in brief fifteen minute cameos against Rangers and Hibernian in the league this season. With reserve football and the international break coming up, Martindale is looking to get last season’s top scorer back and ready for the upcoming weeks.
“If I needed a goal on Saturday, Bruce probably would have been put on. But if I didn’t need to, it was always in the back of my mind that I wasn’t going to. He’s playing probably around 60 minutes today which gives him another three days rest and then the international break gives us another week closer to first team action.”
The campaign has been admittedly a frustrating one for the Livingston number nine, with injuries flaring up once returning to training.
“I’m a bit frustrated as is Bruce but he’s got to keep his head down, keep working hard and see where it takes him.
“He’s been playing catch up since the start of the season and has had about three niggles so it’s been real stop start. He’s not been able to get himself established which is really difficult for a forward. Throw in that the boys have been winning games of football, it makes it difficult to change the team.”
The striker would play the full 90 minutes in the reserves 2-1 loss against Dunfermline, with James Penrice also playing the whole game and Morgan Boyes completing 70 minutes. Both Penrice and Boyes have also had similar issues to Anderson, but Martindale is hopeful both can be back in contention for match day squads following the international break.
“For James, Bruce and Morgan, we’re probably going to see them become a bit more involved in the match day squads. Then from there it’ll be up to them to get themselves into the starting eleven.”
Penrice made his 50th appearance for the club, coming on in the 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, with Martindale highlighting the specialness of a local player making an impact.
“It’s always nice to bring local talent through, if you can find it. It’s not part of your recruitment profile but when someone is from Livingston, it’s a bit sweeter and more positive, especially seeing them play in the first team.
David Martindale also provided a fitness update on Kurtis Guthrie, with the new forward coming off injured in the game against Kilmarnock.
“The international break has came at a good time for Kurtis. We can not rush him and we can be okay if he doesn’t train this week, he should be fine for once the break has rounded up.”
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