Livi boss Holt explains why he didnt want game pushed back
Livingston manager Gary Holt claims their duty of care to their players ensured there was no chance of moving t heir game against Kilmarnock.
Killie requested Saturday's game be postponed for several days to allow their squad more time to train following a period of mass selfisolation brought on by six Covid- 19 cases. But Livingston rejected the request as they want a full week to prepare for their game against Rangers on 25 October.
Holt said: “To move it to Tuesday or whenever it was would impact our preparation for our big game the following week. I'm happy with what's decided. We have to think about our boys' preparation. You also have a duty of care to your players, too.
As for Killie, Holt added: “They are a good side, Alex ( Dyer) has got them well drilled, so I'm not sitting here thinking it's going to be any different just because they have had a couple of weeks in self- isolation.”
Kilmarnock wing er Chris Burke fears his mental health could suffer a dip if he is forced to endure a third stint in lockdown.
The 37 year old winger was freed from a stint in self- isolation earlier this week after Alex Dyer’s entire Killie first- team squad was told to quarantine as six positive Covid- 19 tests rocked Rugby Park.
He said: “The last two weeks have been turmoil really. It’s madness how this world has been, it was just crazy finding out we had to self- isolate in our homes for two weeks. I won’t lie, I found it certainly tougher than the first lockdown. Anybody who has done it will know what I’m talking about. Anyone whois facing having to go into quarantine will have to prepare themselves mentally for it.”
Burke was one of six senior players who were given the go- ahead to join a group of youngsters for Tuesday’s 3- 0 Betfred Cup defeat to Dunfermline, while the rest of the Dyer’s team returned to training on Wednesday. The Ayrshire side’s bid to push the game back failed as thespfl insist son games being played if both teams have 13 players available.