Livi boss says pressure is all on Hibs

David Hopkin's team have won 11 points from 18

The Lions are undefeated in their last six matches and have picked up 11 points from a possible 18, Saturday’s goalless draw with Alloa at the Tony Macaroni Arena also consigning the Wasps to League One football next season.

Livi will hope they don’t follow the Clackmannanshire outfit into Scottish football’s third tier next term with Hopkin’s men occupying the relegation play-off spot and two points adrift of nearest rivals Dumbarton.

However, Hopkin insists there is some renewed confidence among his sqaud following their recent run of form and has stressed to his players that all the pressure is on Alan Stubbs’ squad to deliver tonight.

“We’ve got two away games in the space of four days so I think the pressure is off us as nobody expects us to pick up anything tonight and probably at Morton on Saturday,” the former Scotland internationalist said. “That could be a good thing for us and I’ve told the players that. We can go and relax and play football.

“Of course it’s a massive game for both clubs. But I think being under no pressure gives us that bit of leeway going to Hibs. I expect them to come out firing on all cylinders but the boys are looking forward to it.”

Hopkin was sent to the stand three days ago following referee Alan Muir’s decision to award a free-kick and not a penalty when Alloa’s Steven Hetherington scythed down striker Jordyn Sheerin that appeared to be inside the visitors’ box – the defender subsequently being shown a red card for his indiscipline.

“I knew with the way Jordyn landed it was a penalty,” Hopkin stressed. “Everyone inside the stadium knew it was. I’ve got to be careful with what I say but it was the linesman who changed the referee’s mind. The linesman hasn’t even seen it. So it is frustrating and with a wee bit of luck, we could have picked up another two points.

“But we’re still on a good run of form. The players are staying positive so we just need to try and pick up as many points between now and the end of the season.”