Mac’s ‘surprise’ as Miller moves into Livi hot-seat

Former Dundee United striker Scott McDonald admits he is stunned by Kenny Miller’s decision to become player-boss at Livingston – and has predicted his fellow ex-Celt will soon confine himself to the touchline.

Miller, 38, was bullish in his determination to excel in both jobs as he was formally unveiled as the new Lions gaffer on Saturday, finally agreeing to succeed David Hopkin following protracted negotiations.

He reportedly shunned interest from the likes of Aberdeen, Hibs and St Mirren which could have seen him focus solely on his playing commitments, in favour of taking his first steps into management.

McDonald, however, believes the demands of the role could soon be a wake-up call for the former Scotland hit-man.

“I think it’s a tough job, I really do,” he said. “I’m surprised he has taken it. In my view, Kenny is still a top quality player and could play at one of the top four teams in Scotland. There was plenty of interest within the league wanting to take him on board and this is a big call from him.

“To try and fill that striker’s role, concentrating fully on scoring the goals to keep them in the league, as well as managing them will be a big ask. I think he will realise that pretty early on and maybe he will just need to take a back-step and be on the touchline rather than the pitch.

“Personally, I would do one or the other and throw everything at it. I wouldn’t have taken it.”