Livingston boss David Martindale is convinced his side's exploits in recent seasons has led to champions Celtic showing them an added respect.
The Lions boss masterminded a win and a draw over Celtic last season but the league leaders have been too hot to handle in the their two most recent trips to West Lothian. But Martindale reckons his side's status as bonafide top-six contenders year upon year makes it harder to become shock the best team in the country. And he reckons the respect shown by the Parkhead side takes their own game up a level when they square off.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Livingston boss said: "I think you are going into those games and you are not a surprise anymore. The Celtic team, the Celtic manager, are going into our game in a bit more detail. I think Ange has said he doesn't take any game, any different from another. But I have found Celtic players with a wee bit more intensity, they are giving us a little more respect and by giving us a little bit more respect it's probably adding to their own game. They are putting a lot more detail into the game.
