Martindale insists Livi may have last laugh in relegation dogfight

DAVID Martindale remains optimistic about Livingston’s survival prospects and has challenged his team to exert some pressure on the teams above them by defeating Motherwell at home tomorrow.

The Lions slipped six points adrift at the foot of the cinch Premiership on Saturday after losing away to 11th-placed Ross County, who also have a game in hand, while they are eight points below a St Johnstone side they visit this Saturday.

Martindale concedes his team face a tall order to stay in the top-flight but – with 33 points still to play for – he is adamant it is well within their capabilities.

“I maybe sound a wee bit deluded to people outside the building but I genuinely believe we’ve got enough to stay in this league,” said the Livi boss.

“I genuinely believe that and I need to make sure the players believe that.

“The gap is six points with 11 games to play.

“If we can pick up three points on Wednesday and all goes well tomorrow (Tuesday) in the game between Ross County and St Mirren, it puts a wee bit of pressure on the teams above. And I’d probably throw St Johnstone into the mix as well.

“The teams above us will be saying the same type of thing, ‘Can we open up that gap?’, but I can only focus on my group and the Motherwell game on Wednesday.”

Martindale is paying little attention to those who have already written Livingston off as doomed to relegation because he feels his team have already defied such predictions by staying in the top-flight in each of the previous five seasons.

“Since matchday one when we came back to the Premiership almost six years ago, it’s been the same story,” he said.

The Lions manager remains full of belief.