Proving a point
Halkett returns to Ibrox
Livingston captain Craig Halkett admits he feels a point to prove as the former Rangers youth product gears up to make his Ibrox debut.
The 23- year- old came up through the ranks at the Gers, but was released in January 2016 without featuring in the first team.
He became one of David Hopkin’s first signings at Livingston later that month and has played a pivotal role in the club’s rise up the ranks.
Speaking to the Courier, the skipper said: “It’s my first time back and my first time playing at Ibrox so it will be an interesting experience. Obviously the way that we’ve been playing just now, we go there with nothing to be afraid of and full of confidence. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“I go back there as a better player. This is my fourth season at Livingston and I feel that I’ve improved and changed as a player but I think I still have a bit of a point to prove to the people that are still there.”
He added: “It’s going to be a tough environment and I’m sure Rangers will be looking for a bit of revenge after we beat them last time, so they will be right up for it and we need to be at our best.
“They have a brilliant home record but we have shown with our own performances that there’s nothing to be afraid of on Saturday.”
The Halkett clan are all avid Rangers fans but are set to be split at the weekend with Craig commenting: “I think my mum and my dad will be in with the Livi fans, but my brother will probably be in the home end, so I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting night whatever happens.”
The skipper picked up a hamstring injury during the home draw against Celtic a fortnight ago and admits the international break came at the right time for him and the rest of the squad.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a new experience, having to deal with international breaks because obviously you don’t get them in the lower leagues. It’s something you have to deal with and learn how to adapt to but this one has come at the perfect time, I think.
“Obviously I picked up a bit of a niggle in the Celtic game so having that time off helps to recover from that. I think the boys have deserved that wee break of not having the pressure of a game but now we’re back at it and focused on Saturday.”
For more on Livingston, including an interview with the club’s new first team analyst Dougie Wright, turn to pages 58-59.