
DAVID Martindale is hopeful Ivan Konovalov will not suffer any supporter backlash when the Livingston debutant becomes the first Russian to play in the UK since the invasion of Ukraine.
Konovalov will deputise for Max Stryjek against Hibernian this afternoon after the Lions number one accepted a two-game ban for violent conduct this week following an angry clash with Aberdeen attacker Vicente Besuijen in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Pittodrie.