Keeping a clean sheet meant more than goal

Ayo Obileye fired Livingston into the last-16 of the Scottish Cup but insists the clean sheet means more to him than the goal.

His 16th minute spot-kick was the difference against Ross County, but the centre-back was more pleased to stop the Staggies from finding the net at the other end.

The former Queen of the South man has formed a brilliant partnership in the heart of Livi’s defence alongside Jack Fitzwater, with the Lions having conceded just four goals in their last seven games.

He said:“It’s not about goals for me, it’s about the clean sheet. We defended outstandingly. We want to keep building on that and I thought the boys played excellently.

“County are a big physical side and they will put long balls into the box.

“We knew they’d put us under pressure and the boys did brilliantly under that.

“We work hard in training, off the pitch and in the gym to do these things, to be stronger and better prepared.

“We want to work hard for each other, for Max in goals, and the less goals we concede, the more games we will win.”

Obileye stepped up to the mark after Bruce Anderson had been clumsily bundled over by Declan Drysdale.

Few doubted the ball was going to hit the back of the net – and with good reason – as Obileye has never missed from the spot during his career.

The 27-year-old said:“I have scored every one. It’s maybe ten now.

“But it’s about the clean sheets, really. I am a defender and I am not bothered about scoring.

“I scored a few at Queens, and a few at the team before that, and the team before that. It’s something I am comfortable with.”

The weekend also offered the Livi faithful their first glimpse of Joel Nouble following his return from Arbroath, while Caleb Chukwuemeka made his first start for the club but was hooked at half-time.

Obileye predicts bright times ahead for the duo, saying:“When we get them firing, we’ll see a different side to them and we’ll be even more of a threat.

“Joel has great physical presence, great feet and great strength.

“Caleb coming in from Aston Villa is tall, quick, strong and has unbelievable feet. We’ve got Morgan Boyes as well from Liverpool and he’s got great qualities.

“I feel like they’re all big additions to the team.”