Landi praises the heart of his Lions after his side secure magnificent seven wins

Aug 28 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ROBERTO Landi has a serious League Cup legacy to live up to with it being just four years since the trophy was brought back to Almondvale by Davie Hay.

But the legend, who is back at the club in a consultancy role, would have been thrilled by the sides latest cup performance.

Landi led Livi into the third round after an extra-time win over St Johnstone on Tuesday night with the Italian chalking up his sides seventh wins in eight competitive games in the process.

And Landi admits to being stunned by the heart of his Lions.

He said: “I have to say our players are fantastic. “I can’t believe how well they can play in every match.

“To win seven matches out of eight is something for these players to be proud of. It is the first time in my life I have seen such a small group of players produce performances and results like this one in the cup tie.

“Our team was built from nothing at the start of the season and I’m delighted with the players”

The jewel in the Almondvale crown this season has undoubtedly been 18-year-old Leigh Griffiths.

The youth team graduate has been an ever present and grabbed seven goals.

But Landi has warned he must protect his prize asset to prevent him from suffering from burn out.

“Griffiths can’t play like that every week, it’s not natural,” he said. “He gives everything but we must protect him.”

The capture of Hearts striker Callum Elliot on a six month loan deal will bolster Livingston’s attacking options and Landi confirmed the Scotland under 21 star is in contention for Saturday’s visit to Dunfermline.

“Elliot has signed with us until January and he is in my thoughts for Saturday. He will train with us tomorrow and we will see.”

The Old Firm giants will join the Lions in the third round draw and Landi insists he is not worried who his charges will be paired with.

He added: “I’m not worried who we might get in the next round as I believe we are ready to play against anyone.

“It was my job to mix the Scottish heart with the tactics and technique and its going well but we are showing more Scottish heart than anything else at the moment.”