Livingston attacker Joel Nouble admits he’s baffled by the lack of protection he gets from the officials.
The former Aldershot Town man proved to be a handful once again as he nodded home Livi’s opener in their 2-1 win over Ross County – his sixth goal of the Premiership campaign.
He said: “I spoke to the ref (Willie Collum) after (Keith) Watson jumped with two arms on my shoulder and he said ‘you’re a big lad’.
“But what does that mean? So if I’m shorter he’ll give a foul? I hate that line because it doesn’t make sense but I am used to it.
“I must be one of the most fouled players in the league because it happens every game. Players will grab me and kick me. When I do go down they’ll say you’re a big lad when I don’t go down they’ll say I’m a big lad and can deal with it so what am I meant to do? It’s frustrating.”
He added: “I’m getting doubled and picked up more from the opposition this season. It’s a bit of a compliment that teams are thinking ‘we’ve got to stop the ball getting to him’.”
The 27-year-old admits he’s come on leaps and bounds this term and could well attract plenty of interest in the summer after the club activated a one-year contract extension clause.
And he admits he couldn’t get his head around the £1million figure Livi boss David Martindale floated during the winter transfer window.
He said: “When I initially signed I didn’t know how I was going to do. From their point of view it was low risk, high reward but I backed myself.
“They gave me the opportunity and the platform. Getting another deal can never be taken from granted – it’s a compliment and hopefully I can keep performing and helping the boys.
“When I heard the gaffer was saying £1m that was crazy. I’ve come from lower leagues in England, now you’re telling me there’s £1m on my head?
“I had a chat with the gaffer. He asked me what my target is for my career and I said I wanted to play at as high a level as I can. A career is very short and if you don’t push yourself what’s the point?
“He said he’ll give me the platform to showcase my ability and I’ve just got to do the rest.”
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