Livingston boss David Martindale admits the return of Joel Nouble could be crucial to his side's hopes of a top six finish.
The striker made his return in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Celtic having missed two months due to knee inflammation. And Martindale is delighted to welcome back the 27-year-old as they prepare for the first of '10 cup finals' when Kilmarnock visit the Tony Macaroni Arena tomorrow.
He said: "It was good to get 20-25 minutes into Joel’s legs. I thought he did fairly well. He still looked to have some of that sharpness.
“Obviously the match fitness isn’t there but Joel lives his life correct away from the park and with the rehab he has had, I don’t think he is in a bad place.
“Joel is making the most of his ability now. I think he knows you only get one crack at this and he is taking that with both hands. He has a huge future.”
He added: "We have 10 cup finals. That’s us got Celtic out the road, which is the most difficult tie in the last 11 games. We have Rangers coming to Livingston. Ten huge games left to stay in the top six.
“I enjoy this part of it, I enjoy the split. The cut-off is approaching and everyone is trying to get in the top six. Even if you are sitting 12th in the league, you think ‘if we win the next five games..."
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