Hegarty defends Livi's struggle against Airdrie United

Jan 8 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

PAUL Hegarty insists his side picked up a big point last weekend despite having to peg back basement boys Airdrie.

The Livingston boss insists his side deserve credit for refusing to accept defeat and taking home a share of the spoils.

He said: “I told the players before the game we’d have to be patient against a very strong and resilient Airdrie side.

“And I felt we were, until we got caught cold and lost the goal.

“When you see what’s happened (last) weekend it is a good point for us but of course we were looking for the three points.

“You have to give our players great credit for their first-class attitude and committment.

“It’s been a difficult time – as we all know – and I don’t need to go into that.

“The players have shown a lot of character and a lot of resilience. We have a few promising young players coming on to the scene and we blooded them and I’m happy with their performances.”

Livi captain James McPake may have handed in a transfer request but he remains the side’s leader on the pitch and Hegarty admits to being delighted with his performances.

“James has put in a transfer request and by doing so he put himself on the line.

“Because if he hadn’t played particularly well then people would have talked, but it was the complete opposite.

“He played a captain’s role, he was strong, won tackles and got forward and he deserves a lot of praise for that.”

The Lions manager also revealed that negotiations are still ongoing with both Hearts and Celtic on deals to bring Callum Elliot and Rocco Quinn back to Almondvale.

But Hegarty insists if the club miss out on the duo he has alternative options.

“We are still trying to get Rocco Quinn and Callum Elliot back. They’ve both done ever so well, enjoyed themselves and both want to stay with the club.

“But I’ve one or two other names in place in case it doesn’t work out.

“I’m looking at players and I’ve identified a few and I’ll sit down with the chairman and the chief executive soon.”