Long range JET flies in to help Gaz
JAY EMMANUEL-THOMAS has revealed that Gary Holt LIED to him about how long his Livingston debut would last.
The former Arsenal striker was assured that he would only be asked to play for an hour against Alloa.
But Lions boss Holt was delighted with JET’s form and fitness levels during the win and decided to put his new No.9 through a gruelling 90 minutes.
Emmanuel-Thomas was running on fumes by the latter stages, his all-action performance belied the fact he had not kicked a ball competitively since a three-minute cameo for Thai outfit PTT Rayong in May 2019.
JET, 29, said: “The gaffer lied to me! He told me I would only play an hour then he says ‘You’re looking alright’. I didn’t expect to play the full game.
“Then I saw the substitutes board go up and it wasn’t my number so I’m thinking, ‘Well, 90 it is then!’
“But that will be good for me in the long run, to get more minutes in the legs.
“It was just fantastic to be out there. It’s been a long time coming and to get the win was a great feeling.”
Robert Thomson had given the Wasps a first-half lead but quickfire goals from Alan Forrest and Josh Mullin soon turned it round for Livi in the first few minutes after the break.
It was Emmanuel-Thomas who can lay claim to the most eye-catching display tthough as the Lions cemented their place aat the summit of Group H
The forward said: “I’m getting up to the sharpness of the game and competitive football again.
“There is a lot more to come from me. TThis is just the beginning.”
Alloa boss Peter Grant was pleased with the way his Championship side competed at their top-flight rivals but aadmitted: “Conceding two goals in four mminutes at the start of the half, at any lelevel, is criminal.
“However, I’m being harsh because tthey are still finding their game legs aagainst a very good Premiership side.”