Andy ready to Liv it up with Lions

McNeil will face up to Queen of the South tomorrow as the Lions open their return to Scottish football's second tier. And, while he knows other sides have more experienced pros in their ranks, he believes the enthusiasm and commitment of the young Livi side will see them through this term.

He said: "With having such a young squad this year everyone is really enthusiastic, works hard and has great desire to do well. That's really important because it's a long season.

"In the middle of January on difficult pitches you need to be on it when sometimes other sides won't be and can't get themselves up for games on difficult days. We're going to have to overcome that with enthusiasm and a fiery determination. We've got some very good players here, but they're maybe not all as experienced at this level."

He added: "It's a very tight league. What you tend to find in the First Division is that there are a lot of seasoned pros, and that's pretty different from this club. Queens will be tricky."

McNeil featured heavily in the Raith side that pushed champions Dunfermline Athletic all the way last season and, after training with Livi during the summer, he signed a one-year deal when Gary Bollan's No.?1 Tony Bullock was sidelined by injury.

He said: "The last half of last season I really enjoyed but, unfortunately because the club didn't get promoted, they had to make some cutbacks, and I'm grateful for the opportunity here to play at the same level.

"I've known Tony for a couple of years and I worked with him when I was at Montrose. I knew he was here so I asked if I could come in to get match fit over the summer. I knew Tony was struggling with his injury but I thought he'd be okay for the start of the season. It's a shame for Tony but it's worked out for me in the end."

McNeil previously made on appearance for the Lions back at Berwick Rangers at the start of the 2009/10 season, and wasted no time in making himself familiar with the surroundings against Arbroath in the Scottish Communites League Cup last Saturday.

While Livi won 6-0, the keeper pulled off several impressive saves to keep the Second Division visitors out.

He said: "It was a good game and a fantastic result so we're really pleased. To take part and have an impact on the game was good."