Livingston defender hoping to scale heights of top-six challenge - then climb Ben Nevis

Cristian Montano wants to tackle Ben Nevis - but first he has his sights set firmly on ensuring Livingston can scale the heights of a top-six challenge.

The 31-year-old Colombian admits a move to Scotland has seen him develop a love for hillwalking and he’s determined to take on the country’s highest mountain after helping to fire the side up the table.

The former Bristol Rovers man is loving life north of the border as he aims to down the Dons today as Livi head north to Aberdeen.

He said: “I’m settled, the missus is settled. She’s loving her job and studying. My little man’s first primary school is in Scotland and he’s loving it.

“Away from football I have no issues at all. My mum had never been to Scotland, she came two weeks ago from Colombia. I’m only missing my oldest son but he comes up every now and then.

“My son tries to speak in a Scottish accent. He came home from school and asked what ‘wee’ means because they call him ‘wee man’. I said it just means ‘little man’ and he said ‘nah, I’m a big man.’ He’s only six.

“I’m enjoying the culture and nature and the people are humble and caring.

“I grew up in Colombia in a town where it was just houses with a bit of sugar cane and a river then I moved to London.

“My missus introduced me to nature and walking. The only walking I used to do was to the shops. I didn’t know you could walk up a mountain. Coming to Scotland and being surrounded by nature and how good it is for your mental health and your mind - I like it.

“We’ve done a lot of walking, she’s done a few Munros but I’m hopefully going to do Ben Nevis when the split happens.”

The full-back is enjoying a fine second season in West Lothian after a frustrating and injury riddled first campaign.

He doesn’t look back