Livingston vs Raith Rovers preview - Hughes eager to start Livingston venture

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2012 by PA

Director of football John Collins and manager John Hughes take charge of Livingston for the first time against Raith with only midfielder David Sinclair unavailable due to an ankle problem.

Kick-off cannot come quickly enough for Hughes, who has been out of the game since October 2009 when he left Hibs.

He said: "I am really looking forward to it. I have not seen a lot of First Division football recently but I remember well how competitive it can be from my time at Falkirk.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the players in action.

"Raith Rovers will be a well-organised side under the guidance of John McGlynn and Paul Smith but everyone here is raring to go."

Raith duo Dougie Hill and Scott McBride are added to the pool which drew with leaders Ross County last weekend.

New manager John Hughes takes charge of Livingston for the first time following the sacking of Gary Bollan but Stark's Park boss John McGlynn does not anticipate many changes in the opposition line-up.

He said: "I would imagine that it would be hard for their new management team to change things after a really good result and performance against Partick Thistle.

"The Livingston players may have received a lift during the week when the uncertainty over the manager's position was resolved so we need to be prepared to rise to that challenge.

"We did well against Ross County last weekend and got a deserved draw and I want us to take that form into this game."