West Lothian Courier

Mum’s cooking fires up Nikolay again

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Nikolay Todorov admits a goal and clean sheet was the perfect way to pay back his boss after he was given time off to visit his parents in Bulgaria last week.

The 21-year-old starred both in defence and up front during the Lions’ 2-0 victory over Dundee United and he says the chance to spend four days tucking into his mum’s cooking was the perfect way to rest after a frantic start to the campaign that has seen Livi already clock up 17 games in all competitio­ns.

He said: “The gaffer gave me a break to recharge the batteries so I appreciate­d it and that’s how I repay the gaffer.

“It was great to see family. I had some of my mum’s food, everything, whatever she prepares is nice, you know mum’s cooking is always the best, and I recharged my batteries.

“I try to go back home whenever there’s a break. My dad gives me advice as well, he has played at the top level and I always listen to him. A father’s advice is the best.”

As for their terrific start to the campaign, the Bulgarian under- 21 internatio­nal insisted he won’t be getting carried away.

He said: “It was really good to get another three points but we’ll keep our feet on the ground and just work hard. We’re looking forward to going again next week.

“With Declan suspended the gaffer has asked me to cover for him in defence and I’m always up for helping the team wherever I’m asked to play, the whole team is like that.”

Head coach David Hopkin said he was delighted with Todorov’s display after he started the match at centreback before switching to his natural striker’s role late on.

He said: “He’s a fantastic kid who’s only just turned 21.

“After the Dumbarton game, I let him go back to Bulgaria for four days to see his parents because he hadn’t seen them for a long time. He’s come on leaps and bound and he can play at centre-back and up front which is the versatilit­y that we need in our squad.

“He’s progressin­g nicely and is looking more assured at the back when he has to play there and as you can see from his finish, he can do that as well.”

 ??  ?? Trip home Todorov
Trip home Todorov

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