Hopkin’s praise for Sampson

Livingston boss David Hopkin said he felt the time was right to hand striker Kyle Sampson his professional debut after he appeared as a late sub in his side’s 1-0 victory away at Stranraer on Saturday.

The 16-year-old became came on for veteran Liam Buchanan after he had netted his 23rd goal of the campaign and Hopkin admitted the youngster had earned his place in the squad after a series of impressive displays for the Under-20s.

He commented:“It was great for Kyle and a special moment for him.

“It’s another one of the young players who has come in and got his chance in the first team. He’s only 16 years old and we gave him the last few minutes down at Stranraer and told him to run about and be a pest and he was able to cause them some problems.”

He added:“I’ve said all along that any of the young boys who impress will be given a chance. We had Kyle, Jack Ogilvie and Matthew Knox all on the bench and all young talented players.

“I really could have put any of them on to be honest but I just felt that it was time to give Kyle his chance because he’s been doing really well in the Under-20s.”