Relegation battle holds no fear for Livi defender after facing fans' wrath in Colombia

Livingston full-back Cristian Montano insists he can handle the pressure of a relegation battle - because it pales in comparison to his experiences in Colombia.

The 32-year-old had a short spell back in his home country nearly a decade ago with giants America de Cali, and he recalls being locked inside the changing rooms until 3am for his own safety to avoid rioting fans following a draw that hurt the club’s promotion hopes.

That, he says, makes the Lions’ situation easier to handle as he backs his team-mates to dig themselves out of trouble and repay the fans. They head to Aberdeen tonight sitting at the foot of the table.

He said: “Playing football in the UK, there’s nowhere near as much pressure as when I played back home in Colombia.

“The pressure there was a lot different. The fans were crazy about football.

“I remember one day playing for America de Cali and we had to win to get promoted and we ended up drawing. I was about 23 and I hit the post to try and take the lead.

“When I got subbed, I sat on the bench and I saw the whole stand of fans coming onto the pitch, because we were going to draw. We had to all go into the changing room and we had to stay there until about two or three in the morning. That was proper pressure.

“For me, I could feel the fear. At that point I’d never experienced that and that taught me a lot.”

He added: “I understood how much the game meant to the fans.

“I remember playing away from home over there and seeing fans walking on the motorway to get to the game. Thousands that could hardly afford to eat but they were walking to get to the game.

“That helped me understand how fans live their lives and the extent they go to support their team. I understand how much it means to Livingston now