Livingston boss David Martindale 'excited' to see winger's progress in second season with club

Livingston boss David Martindale says he's 'excited' to see what Cristian Montano can do in a Lions jersey this season.

The 30-year-old Colombian made just seven league starts last season - his first in Scottish football after a lengthy career spent primarily in the third and fourth tiers of English football.

But he started a left-back in place of the injured James Penrice in last weekend's League Cup win over Cove Rangers and is set to fulfil that role against on Saturday when Kelty Hearts visit West Lothian.

Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: "James is struggling a wee bit with a thigh injury so Cristian played left-back on Saturday and played really well. He was signed to be a winger but can play further back.

“I actually think he’s probably best as a left wing-back but he’s had a year of getting used to Scottish football and coaching within our system and at Livingston.

“I really think we’re going to see a different player this year and I’m excited to see what he can do for us.”

Martindale, meanwhile, admitted the Lions would only have themselves to blame should they fail to reach the last-16 of the Premier Sports Cup - but insisted they could feel somewhat unlucky if they pick up the three points at the weekend and fall short.

He said: "We’ve given ourselves a fighting chance but we know it’s going to be a tough game against a very good side. We’d only have ourselves to blame in one sense because of the Inverness result and the goal difference took a hit conceding twice against Albion Rovers.

“That makes it much harder but you’d fancy your chances of qualifying with nine points before you started the competition.

“We got through with eight last season but we’re under no illusions as to how tough