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Callum Carson

Livingston boss preparing for 'tough test' in Paisley as they prepare for St Mirren clash

Livingston boss David Martindale insists a trip to Paisley would have been a daunting prospect even if the Buddies hadn’t defeated Celtic last time out.

Stephen Robinson’s men broke the Hoops’ year-long unbeaten league run prior to the international break after sealing a 2-0 home victory.

But Martindale believes that will be the last thing on the minds of the St Mirren players come their visit tomorrow.

He said: “Robbo and the boys will have enjoyed the Celtic result but he knows it is the same three points they get for beating Livingston.

“It’s maybe an unexpected three points but they maybe lost that bit of momentum if they played the following week. I am sure Robbo will tell them to forget the Celtic game and they will be focused on us.”

He added: “I watched it and 15 minutes in you could see how it was going and they were fantastic. From a league point of view it opens the league and if you are involved with Rangers they will be thinking they are right back in it.

“I like to look at the positives and it is good for the league as a whole and shows how good it is.

“It will be a tough test for us, but I don’t think the win over Celtic will have impacted this game at all.”

The Lions will have to get the better of former defender Declan Gallagher if they are to pick up the points in Paisley.

The 31-year-old has been in stellar form following an unsuccessful stint at Aberdeen and earned himself a Scotland recall.

Martindale was full of praise for the ex-Livi man, commenting: “Deccy has done well and I’m delighted for him.

“He knows Robbo from their time at Motherwell and I know him and his family really well.

“It was pleasing to see him getting back into the Scotland squad. He had a tough time at Aberdeen last season but he has a lot of resilience and he has bounced back. It is what I expected from him. I just hope he has a shocker on Saturday.”

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