Bollan remains confident ahead of Scottish Cup clash

Jan 7 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

GARY BOLLAN reckons his side’s enforced winter break could see his side head into Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash with Dundee fresher than the First Division leaders.

Livingston have not played a competitive match since slamming seven past Clyde on December 14, while Dundee have played three times since then.

But Livingston boss Bollan (right) isn’t sure if his side’s lack of match action will be a help or a hindrance.

He said: “Before the snow came, we had a very busy spell, especially with the Clyde games in the cup, but now, after a wee break, our players might be fresher.

“But because Dundee have been playing games every week, they might have an advantage.

“We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Bollan has a full squad to choose from with no injury concerns and he reveals he intends to go full-throttle against the Dark Blues in a bid for Scottish Cup glory.

He continued: “You only get one bite of the cherry in a cup tie and we’ll be going out to win it.

“With all these factors considered, I’m sure it will be an exciting tie.

“I watched them last Sunday and they surprisingly lost to Airdrie.

“By all accounts, they felt they hadn’t played too well but it was their first defeat in 15 matches and we are under no illusions as to the size of the challenge we face as they are flying high at the top of the First Division.

“We’ll also have to keep an eye on Leigh Griffiths, who the boys here know well, as he is the hot striker in the First Division right now.”

Meanwhile Bollan has also stressed that, at the time of going to press, no deal had been confirmed to sign Bobby Barr, although he did declare his interest in the ex-Albion Rovers and Brechin winger.