Livingston boss focusing solely on beating Kelty Hearts as they aim for League Cup last-16

Livingston boss David Martindale says he’s not focusing on the possible permutations needed for the Lions to reach the last-16 of the Premier Sports Cup.

That’s because he knows simply getting the better of Kelty Hearts will be a tough enough job.

The top flight hosts need to pick up three points in their final group match and hope some other results go their way if they are to make it into the next round.

They could still qualify automatically as Group G winners should they beat Kelty and Inverness fall at home to Cove Rangers - as well as a six goal swing in Livi’s favour. But it’s likely they’ll need to rely on being one of the three best runners-up to advance which will also require a string of results working in their favour.

Martindale, though, is simply concerning himself with what he can control and that’s ensuring the Lions are prepared for a tough challenge against last season’s runaway League Two winners.

He said: “I’m expecting a tough game. Pottsy (Kelty boss John Potter) is finding his feet and Kelty are finding their feet with Pottsy but I think the two of them will be a very good fit for one another and it will be a decent game of football.

“When the lower-league clubs come to a Premiership club they always up their game. It’s up to the staff and players at this football club to step up our game and match them.”

He added: “We’re waiting on a couple of results elsewhere to help us out. We’ve still got to pick up the three points on Saturday, so I’m not really looking into the permutations too much because I just think we have to win that game of football.”

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