Scougall in fitness bid to face Thistle

Stefan SCOUGALL never thought he’d be a first-team regular for Livingston this season, let alone picking up man-of-the-match awards – but the young midfielder has relished being thrown into the thick of this season’s First Division campaign.

Scougall, who made a couple of brief appearances in the Second Division as the Lions wrapped up the title last season, hopes to prove himself fit to take on Partick Thistle tomorrow – in what would be his eighth start in all competitions.

Having made the step-up from the club’s youth system, Scougall was man of the match against Falkirk and has picked up numerous plaudits, but he says he’s just happy to be involved.

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He said: “I didn’t think I’d break in so soon, but a couple of injuries came about and we’ve got a really thin squad, so I took my chance when I got it.”

“I made two or three appearances last year, but it was more due to injuries to other guys. It’s one of my dreams to play football, and I really just want to keep playing, keep getting on the ball and hopefully injury doesn’t prevent me from doing that.”

The midfielder has been an integral part of a Lions side that has only lost once in the league so far this campaign, although they host in-form Thistle a couple of players short of full strength, with Scougall himself a doubt.

He said: “I’m hoping to be fit for Saturday. I’m 50-50 just now but hopefully I can get fit and the gaffer wants to play me, but it’s all up to him. Partick are always a really hard team to play against. Plus, Keaghan Jacobs is going to be out and Paul Watson’s going to be suspended. “

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Recent games have witnessed the Lions fail to capitalise on numerical advantage against Falkirk after the crushing blow of losing a late penalty, and then battle to a well-earned draw at Ross County.

Scougall added: “County have got a very good squad, a lot of experienced players, but I thought a point was a fair result even though they had more of the ball.

“The penalty given against us in the Falkirk game was a harsh one to give, but you can see why the ref gave it. It’s disappointing to lose a goal at such a late time in the game. They were delighted, but it felt like a defeat in our changing room.”

Despite that disappointing end the last time out at the Braidwood Motor Company Stadium, Scougall remains optimistic about Saturday’s game.

He said: “Hopefully we can pass the ball well against Thistle, create chances and then take our them as well – which we’ve not done as often as we’d like the last few games.”