Livingston boss admits he needs to find ways to utilise attacking partnership

Livingston boss David Martindale says he needs to find a ways to accommodate both Joel Nouble and Bruce Anderson up front for the Lions.

Nouble has been used predominantly as a winger during his time at the Tony Macaroni Arena but put in a man of the match performance in a central role against Rangers on Saturday.

Anderson, meanwhile, was their leading scorer last season and the top flight’s top Scottish marksman with 11 goals.

Speaking to the Courier ahead of Sunday’s visit to Dundee United, Martindale said: “Joel can play in the wide areas but I thought it was a complete all-round striker’s performance against Rangers.

“He’s got pace, he’s got good link-up play but we need to work on his finishing and his aerial ability within the box. He’s needs to be more aggressive in the opposition box.

“I do think there’s shape in the team to play him and Brucey together at times. I’m a great believer that there’s a way in the team and a way out the team.

“Joel played as a no.9 on Saturday and was exceptional. He’s got to take confidence from that and he’s earned the right to be the no.9 in the next game. It’s not rocket science.”

He added: “Bruce’s game is completely different from Joel’s.

“I’m not big for changing my shape that often because you’ve got to work on your patterns of play in pre-season and approach things with a certain shape in mind.

“But the players ultimately dictate that. Sometimes you watch the players and the evolution of them and realise there’s maybe different shapes you can work with.

“I need to look at ways to bring Bruce into the picture. He was the top goalscorer last season for a reason and you want to find a way of getting him on the park.”

The Lions will be aiming to get their Premiership account up