Home encounter is just what we need to get over Caley rout, says Gough

MARK BONTHRONE

LIVINGSTON boss Richard Gough insisted today that tonight’s game against Hearts is exactly what his players need to try and get over their 4-1 demolition by Inverness Caley Thistle at the weekend.

The Lions are looking to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing display which Gough described as the most embarrassing moment of his football career.

The former Rangers captain could only look on as the West Lothian outfit capitulated at the hands of their Highland opponents. And Gough believes the best thing for his side is to get back out on the pitch as quickly as possible rather than playing over events in their minds all week.

"The one good thing is that we have a game straight away and don’t have all week to worry about what happened on Saturday," he said.

"I’ve been on the end of a few scorelines like that during my playing career, against the likes of Ajax and Juventus, and it helps to have a game quickly afterwards.

"Hearts will be another difficult game but it’s what we need at the moment."

And Gough has warned his players he is looking for them to prove they are worth a regular starting place.

"There will probably be a few changes," he said. "Then it’s up to the players to prove they should be in the team.

"I’ll give everyone an opportunity and then it’s up to them to show me they want to be in the team and that they deserve to stay there.

"At the weekend it was disappointing that the commitment level wasn’t as high as it should be.

"If the players give me 100 per cent attitude I will be happy. If there is a lack of ability I can accept that but a lack of commitment I can’t. I need to get a wee bit more commitment out the players but once I lay the team out there’s only so much I can do.

"I felt Inverness showed more fight than us so I am hoping to see an improvement against Hearts."

One change likely to be made to Gough’s squad is the addition of midfielder Mark Wilson who has been signed on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old was captured by Boro from Manchester United for £1.5million in August 2001 but has started just six matches for the Riverside team. He has had spells on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke and Doncaster over the last couple of years and is looking to kick-start his career in the SPL.

"I’ve had an eye on him for a while now," revealed Gough.

"I spoke to Steve McClaren the other day and he was willing for him to come here on loan. I’m looking to freshen up the squad and hopefully he can help.

"Mark is good to go and he needs to start playing again. He has been at Manchster United and Middlesbrough and, pedigree-wise, he has been at good places throughout his career."

Taken from the Scotsman