Lodger Rogers is as good as messy
Sibbald hoping old Bairns pal doesn’t clean up again
We went to Nando’s – it was just like old times CRAIG SIBBALD ON OLD FRIEND DANNY ROGERS
CRAIG SIBBALD has revealed a natter at Nando’s with his old lodger Danny Rogers has left him in no doubt about the threat St Mirren will pose today.
The Livingston playmaker starred alongside Rogers at Falkirk, with the onloan Aberdeen keeper helping the Bairns to finish second in both of those Championship campaigns.
Rogers became a fans’ favourite and his penalty save from Martyn Waghorn in a 2-1 win over Rangers was the biggest highlight.
The goalie’s now trying to keep clean sheets in Paisley after replacing the departed Craig Samson as their No.1.
But Sibbald, who will be out to stick one past his old pal, admits Rogers was terrible at cleaning up when they shared a house.
The 23-year-old said: “I still get on really well with Danny. We went for a Nandos the other week – so that was just like old times!
“I have my own place so he stayed with me when he came down from Aberdeen. He’s a great guy and it’s brilliant to see him playing first-team games again.
“He was a bit messy as a flat-mate but made a few big saves for Falkirk, some unbelievable penalty stops, so I suppose I’ll let him off with that.”
Sibbald is hoping Rogers isn’t at his best today and is expecting a tough test against the in-form Buddies.
He said: “I was speaking to Danny recently and he was talking about what a good side St Mirren can be. Some of their results have been really good and you are starting to see what they are about. They seem to have turned things around.”
Livi are bidding to bounce back from a 2-0 midweek loss to Kilmarnock.
And Sibbald is also looking to kick-start his career with the Lions. The gifted midfielder joined up in the summer after 15 years at Falkirk, where he had slipped into a comfort zone.
But his bid to make an instant impact at Livingston was wrecked by a groin injury picked up in pre-season.
Sibbald has made just nine appearances since then but impressed boss Gary Holt off the bench against Killie.
Now he hopes to earn a starting slot for the clash with Saints. Sibbald said: “I needed the new challenge, to experience that step up.
“It’s a lot sharper in the top flight while the tempo is higher and players are fitter. But I feel confident I can make things happen when I get on the ball.
“I was at Falkirk from age eight so you could say it was a bit of a comfort zone. It is positive to test yourself.
“I was just getting my fitness up in pre-season and the injury seemed to come at the worst time. It has been tough to get back in, given the boys have been doing so well – I’ve needed to show a bit of patience.
“I’ve not had as much game time as I would like so when I do get my chance it’s vital I take it and prove that I should be starting. It’s about contributing when I’m involved and I felt like I did that against Kilmarnock.”
Sibbald can at least take heart from the knowledge gaffer Holt rates him.
The duo worked together during Holt’s 14 months in charge of Falkirk, with Sibbald a key part of the side that reached the Scottish Cup semi-final and narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premiership.
Sibbald added: “He always wanted to play good football and was always willing to show faith in me.
“His first match in charge was the Cup semi against Hibs and he put me straight in. So he knows what I can do – it’s about me showing consistency.
“The gaffer and Livi have been the perfect match. He has added to what a strong unit they were last season.
“No one would have imagined we would be in this position by December.”