Josh Mullin can't wait for Livingston's Hibs test

Josh Mullin impressed during his time at Albion Rovers. Pic: SNS

The 23-year-old defender, who can also play as a winger, joined from Albion Rovers on the final day of the transfer window and was manager David Hopkin’s seventh signing of a busy month for the Lions.

Mullin appeared 21 times for Rovers this season, scoring two goals, but was lured by the opportunity of making the step up to full-time football with Livi.

And, having watched this weekend’s opponents Hibs stage a remarkable comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with city rivals Hearts in their Scottish Cup fifth-round tie, Mullin accepts the challenge awaiting he and his new team-mates is a daunting one.

“I watched Hibs play Hearts on Sunday and for me personally, I think Hibs are one of the best teams in Scotland just now,” he said. “They play some great football, have the diamond in midfield with two full-backs so it’s going to be a massive test for us. But these are the matches you want to be involved in. There will be a really big crowd there so I’m really excited for the weekend.

“Not having a game last week was a bit frustrating, but it might have worked out in my favour because I’ve now been in and training for over a week so you never know, I might even start on Saturday. That would be fantastic.”

Mullin admits Livi pulled out all the stops to bring him to West Lothian and he is now eager to repay the faith they have shown in him.

“I had heard from one or two other managers,” he said, “but the thing for me was Livingston came in for me from the first day of the window. When I spoke to the gaffer you could just tell they wanted me in as soon as possible. I know they upped their offer too to get me here so that told me everything.

“I may have to bide my time to get in the side but I’ll work as hard as I can to get myself into contention. The standard has been a lot better than what I expected so we need to give it that one last push for the remainder of the season. It’s been very enjoyable so far as they’re a great bunch of boys.”