Livingston boss David Martindale says watching Joel Nouble’s vintage performance against Rangers yesterday reminded him of Lyndon Dykes’ treatment of Celtic’s defence during his time with the Lions.
The Scotland striker spent just one season in Livi colours before netting a club record transfer to Queen’s Park Rangers and has been a constant feature in the starting line-up for the national team ever since.
The Aussie-born ace proved too hot to handle at the Tony Macaroni Arena whenever Livi took on Celtic, with Christopher Jullien in particular having a torrid time.
And Livi’s current frontman replicated those displays in the Premiership opener.
A delicate chip over Jon McLaughlin to open the scoring on five minutes was reminiscent of Dykes’ lob over Fraser Forster in a 2-0 Livi win during the 2019/20 campaign while three Rangers defenders were shown yellow cards inside the first half for fouls on the big man.
Martindale hailed the striker, who has usually been utilised on the wing during his spell in Livi but was the focal point of the attack in yesterday’s 2-1 defeat.
He said: “It was a wee bit like watching Lyndon Dykes.
“Big Lyndon got himself a move to the English Championship with games like that against Rangers and Celtic.
“Joel was the story of the game up until 60 minutes. Souttar and Goldson were both on a yellow card – they were taking a turn each at stopping Joel.
“We knew Rangers were going to press us high and needed that focal point, that link-up.
“Joel is quick, he’s got that turn of pace to go in behind. His performance merited more.”
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