HOPKIN MUST NOW PONDER HIS OPTIONS

LIVINGSTON manager David Hopkin faces a crunch decision on his future in the next 48 hours.

The miracle worker who turned last year’s League One champions into a Premiership team via Championship play-off glory last week against Partick Thistle has options either side of the border.

Morton are confident of persuading Hopkin to return to Cappielow, where he had two playing stints and became interim boss in 2013, to try and follow Livingston’s promotion path.

The Greenock club expect an answer from the 47-year-old early this week.

Former Raith Rovers and Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon has been lined up to replace Jim Duffy should Hopkin reject the opportunity.

Livingston have not given up hope of tempting Hopkin into signing a new deal at Almondvale to lead their top-flight charge and have been preparing a budget plan to pitch to their manager.

Carlisle United made Hopkin their prime target to succeed Keith Curle while Morton’s bitter rivals St Mirren were linked with the ex-Scotland midfielder following Jack Ross’s departure to Sunderland.

Bradford City, who sacked Stuart McCall in February, have yet to make a permanent appointment and could emerge as a late runner.

Meanwhile, Robbie Neilson has admitted the vacancy at St Mirren is attractive. The former Hearts boss said: ‘It’s an appealing job for a lot of people. I’m sure a lot of guys will be desperate to take it.’