Livingston full-back ready to take skipper's place after challenging season

Livingston full-back Jamie Brandon insists watching Nicky Devlin go about his business this year will stand him in good stead to take over from the skipper next season.

The ex-Hearts and Morton man made his first start for the Lions in last night's 1-1 home draw with Motherwell - albeit he was hooked shortly before the interval as a tactical substitution following a red card to keeper Shamal George.

The 25-year-old has had his fair share of injuries to deal with during his career, including this year with the Lions, but he's determined to finally kick on next season.

He commented: "You definitely learn from watching a player of his calibre and it shows with the move he’s going on to make and how well he’s done here. For the season I’ve been here he has been a brilliant captain and he leads by example. I think there are a lot of positives to take from him.

He’s said he’s had a great time here, he’s a top boy and I wish him all the best. With Nicky playing as well as he has done it has been hard for me to push into the starting XI so to get the start was really good."

He added: "I need to build for next season, the gaffer has spoken about that previously and hopefully I can lay down a bigger marker next season. My objective is to be the starting right back for this club going forward so it’s up to me to put in performances to try and get there."

Brandon played further up the park against the Well, being utilised as a right-winger before his departure and he admits it was a night of mixed emotions - but insists the fact the Lions fought back from a goal and a man down to get a draw proves that boss David Martindale made the right call.

He said: "I was happy to get my first start of the season and then the sending off and