Livingston boss David Martindale believes the fact Celtic visit the Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday with a point to prove is a pat on the back for the Lions.
The Hoops haven’t won in five attempts in West Lothian since Livi’s return to the top flight - and haven’t scored in either meeting between the two sides this term.
But despite the Lions roaring into the European places thanks to victory over Dundee United on Wednesday night, the gaffer insists there will be no danger of anyone in a black jersey taking their opponents lightly.
He said: “I think they’ll come with a point to prove and that’s a pat on the back for Livingston.
“I think historically we’ve always done well against the top teams here. I think it brings the best out in the players.
“Every player is probably going out on that park with a point to prove. Ultimately they would love to be playing that level of football at that level of club.
“It’s a different atmosphere all round, then you walk out, even having the stadium full generates a fantastic atmosphere, albeit it’s 8000 away fans. I definitely buzz off that and I think the players do as well.”
He added: “Ange is a terrific manager, I think they’ve got a fantastic football club and fantastic players. They’re going to come here with a point to prove on Sunday.
"You don’t get to where Ange is and where he has been if you are not a good manager. He is a top, top manager and he will be looking at ways to rectify that. Those players at Celtic will be looking at ways to rectify that as well.”
A result would strengthen Livi’s unlikely bid for European football with the Lions sitting in fourth place with nine games remaining but Martindale insists he’s not digging out his passport just yet and knows they could quickly slide down the table.
He commented: “Am I dreaming of Europe? No, not yet.
“We are in a fantastic position and I think it’s safe to say we won’t be getting relegated.
“European football would be unbelievable but we have to take it one game at a time and see where it takes us.
“We don’t want to set the targets too high and then finish ninth at the end of the season.
“At the start of the season we would have taken that, so to be where we are right now is an unbelievable achievement.”
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