Michael O’Byrne knows full-time Livi will be a target in Second Division

Jul 15 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Michael O'Byrne

MICHAEL O’BYRNE knows better than most that Livingston will have a bullseye on their backs next season.

After all, the defender was with Albion Rovers last season, where he admits the Coatbridge side viewed the Lions as a prize scalp.

And Livingston’s new signing expects more of the same this time around, with the West Lothian club being the only full-time club in the Second Division.

“We are the only full-time team in the league and, as such, every other side will be looking to beat us and claim a scalp,” said O’Bryne ( pictured right).

“That’s exactly how we looked at matches against Livi last season when I was Albion Rovers.

“We were desperate to beat them – with them being full-time and with their facilities – to claim a big scalp.

“So I expect it will be the same in the Second Division this season, with the other sides looking at us that way, too.”

O’Byrne caught the eye of Livingston manager Gary Bollan while starring for Rovers last season.

The fact that the Coatbridge side beat Livi twice and kept two clean sheets in the progress didn’t harm his cause either.

He continued: “I was part of the Rovers side which beat Livi twice at the start of last season but, at the time, I think Livingston were in a bit of disarray.

“We did well and they were struggling, but they eventually got going.

“Rovers were very good to me and I had a great time there. They put me into the shop window and earn a move back to full-time football, which is what I’ve managed to do.

“I’m over the moon to have signed for a big club like Livingston and I’m delighted to be back playing full-time football as well.

“Livi are a club looking forward, too, so it is great. The way the side play football is excellent and it is a great stadium as well.”

O’Byrne has penned a one-year deal with Livingston to seal a return to full-time football, something he has craved ever since he quit SPL side Dundee United in search of first-team action.

“I was full-time at Dundee United before a season at Dumbarton and then Albion Rovers,” explained O’Byrne.

“I didn’t think I was going to get a chance at United and (then-boss) Craig Levein said it would be better if I moved on, so I did.

“I got into the first team at Dumbarton and won the Third Division title before I had another good season with Albion Rovers last year.”

The 21-year-old had his first outing in a Livi shirt in Sunday’s 4-1 friendly win over Spartans.

And he is convinced he has seen enough to suggest the Lions could enjoy a second title party in a row come next May.

He said: “I played the full 90 minutes against Spartans on Sunday and I really enjoyed it.

“We definitely have the squad good enough to win the league. It is a small squad but we have phenomenal quality.”