Livingston vs Partick preview - Welsh aims for winning start

Posted Saturday, February 11, 2012 by PA

Livingston begin life after the dismissal of manager Gary Bollan against Partick, and Jason Talbot is included in their matchday squad after recovering from the head injury he picked up against Ross County.

Head of youth Brian Welsh is in charge and, as far as he is concerned, his presence is only for the short-term.

He said: "I had a spell in charge at Cowdenbeath and have no desire to return to football management. I am also moving to America very soon to take up a coaching job so this is short-term.

"It may be short-term but I still want Livingston to win this one. We defeated Partick here earlier in the season and everyone will settle for a repeat of that."

Partick include midfielder Sean Welsh in their squad after the Hibernian youngster joined the Firhill club on loan earlier this week.

Captain Alan Archibald is missing because of suspension and full-back Aaron Sinclair is a doubt with a hamstring problem.

Jags manager Jackie McNamara said: "Livingston will be looking for a response from their players after Gary Bollan left office and we need to be ready for that and then go about our business in our normal manner.

"As far as I am concerned this game is about what we do. We have not played now for three weeks, so everyone is desperate to get going again and it would be great to get back to playing with a win."