BACK-TO-BASICS APPROACH HOLDS THE KEY TO LIVI’S REVIVAL, INSISTS HOLT

LIVINGSTON midfielder Jason Holt believes the Lions have rediscovered the bite that made them such a dangerous top-flight force last season. David Martindale’s men have taken seven points from three games since returning from the latest international break, bringing to an end a worrying sequence that saw them lose six of their opening eight Premiership matches. Former Rangers and Hearts star Holt is buoyed by the team’s upturn in form and believes they are now looking more like the Livingston side renowned for making life difficult for opponents in their previous three campaigns in the top flight. He said: ‘It’s good to get a wee bit of momentum after a slow start to the season. I think we’ve brought a wee bit more discipline and grittiness to the table in our recent games and that’s made a difference to our results. ‘Livingston performances in recent years have been built on hard work, determination and discipline, so getting those elements back has definitely helped. ‘Winning games of football and picking up positive results always makes a difference in the dressing room, so there has been a positive feeling around the place the last few weeks since we’ve picked up a few decent results. So we just want to continue that.’ Livingston’s resolve will be tested to the full today as they visit a Celtic side who have won their last five games in all competitions. Livi were the last Scottish side to defeat Ange Postecoglou’s team back in September and Holt (pictured) is braced for a formidable test, saying: ‘We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’ll be prepared and we’re going there off the back of a few good results, so we’re going with a bit of confidence and we’re looking forward to it. ‘By all accounts, Celtic were really good against Hibs on Wednesday, especially in the first half. ‘From seeing some of their games recently, you can see they are obviously growing as a team. ‘It’s going to be difficult so we need to make sure we stay in the game as long as

we can, and then when we go forward we have to pose a threat. We’ll need to be disciplined off the ball and take our opportunities when they come along.’ Livi manager Martindale says Celtic are now a ‘different animal’ under Postecoglou and insists that in Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor, they possess two of the best players in the Premiership. The West Lothian boss is proud of how his team have fared when facing up to the champions but knows they will have their work cut out to keep the free-scoring Parkhead side quiet this afternoon. He said: ‘Four years we’ve been in the Premiership now and we’ve picked up two draws at Parkhead. ‘Celtic, in my opinion, are a different animal this time round. ‘Kyogo and Callum McGregor, I think they’re two of the best players in the Premiership — fantastic individuals. ‘And I actually enjoy watching them play football.’