Martindale admits to Euro focus
DAVID MARTINDALE admits he had one eye on Livingston’s European aspirations as they were easily beaten by Rangers.
The champions proved too strong at the Tony Macaroni Arena as goals from James Tavernier, Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi won it for Steven Gerrard’s side.
There was little in the game until Tavernier slotted home from the spot late in the first half and the hosts couldn’t capitalise on the few chances that they had.
Livingston now face St Johnstone this weekend needing a victory to earn a European berth next term and Martindale is keen to overcome the side that beat them in the Betfred Cup final.
Martindale said: “I’m disappointed to lose the first goal at that stage because there wasn’t much in the game.
“I’ve not seen the penalty back but I don’t know if the goalie should maybe do a bit better – he came out and tried to use his body when he could have used his hands.
“Hagi has got the first contact on the ball and has done really well. So for me it’s a penalty.
“You go in 1-0 down then you lose a second and we came into the game a bit. I thought the substitutions worked and gave us a but more impetus.
“Wee Jaze has hit the post – he’s in the right position – but he’s got to score in my opinion.
“If that goes in then it’s probably a different game.
“We made enough chances to score and change the dynamics of the game.
“But Rangers are on this unbeaten run and have this incredible number of clean sheets.
“I made a couple of changes and tried to get boys off the park because I want to have options on Saturday.
“It’s a big game and it’s difficult with only a 48 hour turnaround hence why big Marv never started.
“It’s not payback for the cup final... you want to win every game. But it will be part of my team talk!”