Livi boss Bollan: "title is up for grabs"

Sep 22 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON boss Gary Bollan reckons every First Division team is capable of mounting a title challenge – and he wants his side in the mix.

Livi have back-to-back home clashes against Partick Thistle and Raith Rovers in their next two games.

And he reckons taking full points could be enough to lift his side to the top.

He told Courier Sport: “I think the title is up for grabs for any team.

“The league is that tight that if we manage a spell where if we get two or three wins on the bounce we're right in amongst it at the top end.

“Obviously that’s where we want to be.

“At the same time, a couple of defeats and you can find yourself right at the bottom end.”

He added: “There isn’t much in it between any of the clubs in the league, and week-in, week-out we feel we can beat every team we come up against, and I’m sure all the other clubs feel the same way.

“The boys have got an air of confidence going into games each week and they’ll carry that into the Partick Thistle game this weekend as well.”

And Livi’s opponents will be on a high after demolishing Ayr United 4-0 at Firhill last weekend.

The Jags netted four in a second-half blitz with goals from David Rowson, Paul Cairney, Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan.

And Bollan knows his side will be up against a team with no fear.

He said: “They’ll be full of confidence after beating Ayr United convincingly at home last week.

“It was a convincing win and getting a result like that can build a bit of momentum.

“We will need to guard against that.

“We’ve got a good home record that we want to keep as well and I’m sure the lads will be right up for it.”

Livi will be without Keaghan Jacobs who sustained a bad thigh injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ross County.

Stefan Scougall is doubtful after picking up a knock to his achilles.

Paul Watson is suspended following his sending off at Dingwall.

Only six points separate Morton at the top and Ayr at the foot of the league.

The Lions currently sit sixth and are undefeated in their last four league encounters, although that does include draws in each of their last three games.