NO REAL SHOCK
Holt insists draw with Celtic should not have surprised anyone, while Livi set to accept ban for Menga‘headbutt’
Livingston boss Gary Holt believes nobody should be shocked by their side’s draw against Celtic last weekend — because they’ve been showing that form all season.
The Lions put in a spirited display to get a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw on Sunday, with the former Falkirk gaffer saying: “We just carried on from what we’ve been doing all season and the players deserve the plaudits.
“We worked on all the things to take into the game and the boys carried it out and maybe on another day we might have taken a chance and nicked it. You need your players being at the top of their game against teams like Celtic and they were.
“You know a team like that are going to get their chances but we limited them and earned the point.”
The only disappointing factor for the Lions was the flashpoint between striker Dolly Menga and Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie in the first half, with Menga being offered a two game ban for an apparent headbutt on the Hoops player.
The Angolan is set to miss games against Rangers and Motherwell after the incident during Sunday’s 0-0 draw if he accepts the ban, which is understood to be the likely scenario.
Menga clashed with Christie during the first half but ref Kevin Clancy failed to spot the incident and only spoke to both players.
Meanwhile, the Livi head coach admitted he was delighted that three of the squad have been called up for international duty next week - but admits he’s disappointed that it’s not more with Liam Kelly and skipper Craig Halkett being snubbed by Scotland.
He told the Courier: “It’s great that we’ve got three lads being called up, but we want more. We’re not satisfied just now because we believe that there are guys sitting here who deserve to be recognised.”
He added: “Bobby Burns has come in against Celtic, made his first start for the club and been tremendous. He’s been a big part of the Northern Ireland Under- 21 set- up and he’s been rewarded. It’s nice to see the progression there, but it would be nice to see other countries taking that on board.”
For more Livi coverage, including an interview with new signing Henk van Schaik, turn to pages 54-55.