Gary Bollan knows Griffiths' return poses big threat

LIVINGSTON manager Gary Bollan never coached Dundee striker Leigh Griffiths when he was at Almondvale, however he knows all about him and insists the 17-goal front man has to be stopped if the West Lothian side are to progress to the next round.

Amid Livingston's summer of confusion surrounding a glut of unpaid debts, at the conclusion of which the club had been relegated from the First Division into the Third, there were many comings and goings.

And star player Griffiths had been sold to Dundee by the time Bollan was awarded stewardship of the club.

Bollan said: "Leigh had been transferred by the time I had started here but I know he is a special player who will be worth the watching.

"Enough people here have told me about him and he came back to watch our game over Clyde that we won 7-1 to get through."

It is not all going to be about Griffiths, though, insisted Bollan.

"Dundee have a few special players, Gary Harkins is great in the middle of the park and Ritchie Hart gives them plenty of energy," opined the former Dundee United player.

As the only full-time side in the Third Division, Bollan's side have been favourites going in to their games this season, however he realises that won't be the case tonight.

Bollan said: "Dundee will be a great test for us and for once we are underdogs. It will be very interesting to see how our players react."

Recent signing Bobby Barr is cup-tied and misses out with former Dundee United front man David Winters also absent having recently parted ways with Livingston.

Dundee manager Jocky Scott is travelling with the same squad that saw off Dunfermline 3-2 on Sunday afternoon with the Dens Park manager saying: "One or two players picked up knocks but they should be okay.

"The win over Dunfermline was a great result and in terms of the league it was a big, big victory. They were well on top but wee 'Sparky' (Griffiths] popped up with a bit of magic and won us the game."

Scott added: "Leigh is looking forward to going back to Almondvale and I may need to ask him for some tips as the only time I have seen Livingston in action this season their game was abandoned.

"I know Livingston are doing very well in Division Three.

"They have another crop of exciting young players and a fair sprinkling of experienced heads so I know we are in for a game."