David Martindale: Livingston have ‘added motivation’ to beat Rangers in Viaplay Cup
Livingston boss David Martindale believes Celtic’s early exit from the Viaplay Cup will give his side “added motivation” when they face Rangers on Wednesday.
Martindale brings his side to Ibrox in midweek (27 September) hoping to pip Michael Beale’s side to a place in the semi-finals, following John McIlvogue’s successful takeover over the Lions and he believes the results so far in the competition add extra importance to the tie.
Beale is back under pressure after his Rangers side exited the field to a chorus of boos following their incredibly unconvincing 1-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday (24 September) and there is an expectation that a first piece of silverware could ease the tension currently at Ibrox.
As quoted by the Daily Record on Monday (25 September) Martindale said: “Motherwell were unlucky but Rangers still made three or four good chances in that game. Mick has a few injuries to deal with, Matondo was taken off also so that’s another one added to the mix.
“But I only want to focus on Livingston. Going there is going to be difficult, both teams are going into it one game away from Hampden, Celtic have obviously been knocked out already so that gives every other Premiership club’s chances of success a boost.
“There is that wee bit of added motivation for us and I’m sure Mick and his players will be looking to get the first piece of silverware under their belt.”
Target on the back
With Celtic out of the Viaplay Cup, the title of top dog well and truly falls onto Rangers, but with that standing in the game, the Light Blues also have a target on their backs with every other team knowing they are the side to beat if you want to win silverware.
In years gone by that would have been a title relished by Rangers sides. The nature of playing for the Ibrox club is that you’re expected to win matches and titles. That’s part of the DNA of being a Gers player, you are expected to be successful.
But currently, Beale and his side are fragile and they’re for the taking as displayed in Sunday’s clash with Motherwell. On another day the away side would have at least pinched a point off the Light Blues and it could have even been on all three.
Livingston will see that performance as creating a potential opportunity for an upset and Martindale will be hoping he can put Beale to the sword should his side feed off of the pressure at Ibrox. Should Rangers falter, the home crowd will begin to turn.
All the pressure is on Rangers and anything less than a comfortable win will be criticised. For Beale to keep his job he needs silverware and that has to start on Saturday, otherwise, his good work against Real Betis will count for absolutely nothing.
In other Rangers news, Stephen Craigan has slammed Cyriel Dessers for his performance against Motherwell