Weltnachrichten – GB – The interim boss of Livingston is « thrilled » for everyone in the club after the quarter-final victory

The Lions reached the League Cup semifinals for the first time since 2006 last night thanks to victory over Ross County.

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Livingston interim boss David Martindale is delighted to have everyone associated with the club after the Lions reached the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2006.

Goals from Craig Sibbald and Alan Forrest led to a 2-0 win over Ross County in last night’s quarter-finals and led to St. Mirren for a place in the final.

The Buddies dramatically beat the Rangers on Wednesday with a winner in added time, while in the other semi-final St. Johnstone against Hibs.

Martindale said, « I’m happy for everyone in the club. All players, fans, the board and all employees. It’s brilliant. To see their faces there after the game and when they see the draw it’s a great feeling to see how happy the guys are. « We talked about it before the game – take this opportunity because it may not happen again. This is the kind of opportunity that teams like Livingston may have only once in a career. It’s been 15 years.

« I think any team will think they can win. There’s a good mix and it will mean that a smaller team will win a trophy this year, which I think is great for Scottish football. « 

He added, « My thoughts, St. Getting Mirren was probably the same as Jim Goodwin’s thoughts about getting Livingston. It is a win game. I think all four teams will think they have a decent draw.

« Hopefully the incentive to join the team for this game will get you through December, which is a busy month. You might get a little kick in training and the place will be buzzing.

« We have what it takes to beat anyone in this league. We have proven that over the years. But Jim will say exactly the same thing. I think that’s a little nicer about the semifinals this year because we all remember that anyone can win, while in general you always expect a Celtic and Rangers final if they get out of the way.

As for Wednesday night’s game, the interim boss admitted his side may have got the green, but a tactical change at halftime resulted in a more solid defensive performance after the break.

Livi had two goals ahead, both goals being a godsend, while County missed three good chances to get back into the competition in the first half.

Martindale commented: « That’s four games, conceding three goals and conceding one goal, which is very gratifying for me. We haven’t done that well before. I will probably be the interim manager for the next six months because they will think, « It works, don’t change it! »

« We did what we had to do. It was a controversial first goal and I think we’ll be a little lucky and then we go and score the second.

« They had some chances in the first half and in the second we changed shape because they had a bit of fun in the middle of the park and we wanted to ruin that. I think we did pretty well and probably should have been a little better on the counterattack.

« The change in form and tactic worked well, but at the end of the day the most important thing was getting through, not how you got through. « 

The semi-finals will take place either on 23. or 24. January, but it has not yet been confirmed that the game will be played in Hampden.

In the past few years the semi-finals have been moved to other areas to create a better atmosphere. However, since the fans are unlikely to be able to attend, there is no doubt that Martindale is where they should be played.

He said: « It has to be in Hampden. Every single club and every single player and coach want the games to take place in Hampden.

« All of my team talk has been about getting to Hampden, so better be there! It’s going to be a great opportunity. To be honest, we were in the premier league with Queen’s Park four years ago, so we know what it’s like to play in an empty Hampden. It’s not that bad. « 

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