Livingston will reap the rewards of taking it easy in Bruce Anderson’s return from injury according to boss David Martindale.
The 24-year-old impressed during his maiden campaign with the Lions last term as he finished as the leading Scottish marksman in the top flight with 11 goals.
But his season was ended prematurely after picking up an ankle injury in March, which left him just one goal shy of breaking the club’s Premiership record for a single season.
Twice, though, the former Aberdeen man has suffered further ankle damage in his bid to return to first-team action.
He has been limited to just four substitute appearances in the top flight this term - including the Lions’ last two fixtures.
Speaking to the Courier, Martindale admitted it’s been challenging holding the striker back but insists everyone will benefit from that approach in the future.
He said: “Bruce has had three ankle injuries. Previously, each time I brought him back in he’d injured it again.
“This time I’ve kept him away and tried not to use him, maybe to the detriment of the squad slightly if I’m being honest but I think we’re all going to benefit long-term from my actions.
“Bruce has been frustrated but I really think we needed to take that time.”
He added: “When he came back, he was a couple of months behind everyone else in pre-season then injures his ankle again. He came back and then did it again. It wasn’t ideal but I think we all needed to take that extra time.
“Have we been missing him? Yes. But the players up there can bring other aspects that Bruce isn’t so good at.
“Show me a complete striker and I’ll show you one who isn’t at Livingston.”
The Lions are aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats when they host St Johnstone on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
They are hoping to welcome back Jack Fitzwater and Stephane Omeonga from injury but full-back Jamie Brandon and attacker Esmael Goncalves are doubtful.
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