Livingston striker seeks early Festive gift

LIVINGSTON striker Rory Boulding reckons there’s always more chance of getting a few gifts off teams at Christmas – especially if they suffer with players who would rather enjoy the festive period.

The front man returns from a two-game suspension to face Ayr United tomorrow after his red card in the 3-0 defeat against Ross County on November 26 – and insists he likes the hectic schedule over Christmas and New Year, as well as the opportunities it presents to pick up points.

“I always enjoy playing at this time of year, but I think it depends on the players. As footballers we know it comes with the territory that you might be in training on Christmas Day and that it’s a busy time of year.

“I always think there’s a good chance you can pick up a few points over this period when other players in other teams might not be fully focused and be distracted by celebrating. Hopefully for us we can stay focused pick up points.”

Boulding sat out last week as a Livi side short on players battled to a deserved 1-0 victory at Raith Rovers, with Keaghan Jacobs, Cammy MacDonald, Iain Russell, Stefan Scougall and Jonathan Brown all joining him on the sidelines. And the striker says that result is a big boost for everyone at the club.

“Last week was a great performance from the lads. Especially when you consider we had a fair few players out with injuries; to go and win shows there is strength about the squad.

“Raith are maybe struggling a wee bit just now but they’re still dangerous, especially at home, and they’re not that far behind us in the league.”

With attention turned to tomorrow’s match against Brian Reid’s side, Boulding is looking forward to being back in action after serving his suspension, which meant a frustrating lay-off for the former Bradford City striker.

“I’m not sure if everyone thought it was a red card at the time but you have to respect the referee’s decision at the end of the day,” he added. “We didn’t realise it was two games at first but that’s one of those things. It’s in the past and, looking forward, I’m keen to get back involved in first-team action.

“Ayr will be a difficult game. I think we’re a better footballing side than them and hopefully we can show that on the day, but it won’t be easy and they’ll make it difficult for us.”