Hopkin:Liviwon’tMulloverlosswithBoydienowin
DAVID HOPKIN has backed Steven Boyd to show Livingston can live without Danny Mullen.
Marksman Boyd came in from Hamilton on loan a fortnight ago as Mullen made his way out the door after scoring five this season.
Lions manager Hopkin turned to Accies boss Martin Canning and chairman Ronnie MacDonald after the talented 22-year-old made an emergency loan switch to St Mirren that will turn into a permanent deal next month.
Boyd is yet to open his account following two starts but his new boss is convinced the 20-year-old will make an impact for Livi.
Hopkin, whose side travel to Dumbarton today, said: “You can see the skill he has and he’s going to give us something different moving forward. It was important before I let Danny go I had someone to come in.
“I’ve got to thank Martin and Ronnie for letting him come. We had to work hard to get him in because he has been playing in the Hamilton first team.
“It’s very difficult to get someone out a club. The touches he’s got, he has great feet and vision and he’ll get to know the players over the next two or three weeks.”
Today’s Championship clash was rearranged after the original December 9 fixture was called off as a result of the weather.
And Dumbarton defender Andy Dowie insists he and his teammates were happy to return to action so soon after Christmas.
The 34-year-old said: “The manager Stevie Aitken spoke to the players about the Boxing Day game to get their thoughts on playing it that day.
“We were all for it and we’re looking forward to it.
“I’m not sure how the fans feel about the Livingston game being on Boxing Day but hopefully we’ll see them there backing us and we can put on a good performance.”