DAVID MARTINDALE has praised reluctant number nine Andrew Shinnie for his match-winning contribution against Celtic, saying the Livingston man’s performance reminded him of Lyndon Dykes.
Shinnie hit a spectacular goal to give Livi the 1-0 win and gave the Celtic backline problems all afternoon, despite playing the majority of his career as an attacking midfielder.
Martindale says it is one of the best striker performances he has seen from anyone during his time at the club.
“I had him in a headlock and told him he was playing No9!” Martindale said. “I’m kidding.
“He’s a great lad, you could play him anywhere because he’s got a very good football brain and would give you a decent shift.
“Technically he’s very good on the ball and it was one of the best No9 performances I’ve seen at Livi. I’m going back to Lyndon Dykes saying that too.
“He reminded me of Dykes with his power and winning things in the air. His use of the ball was brilliant and he’s a very clever player.
“If you keep doing the same thing then you can expect the same results.
“We changed our shape and Shinnie fitted into that. He’s a gifted player.”
Martindale was delighted for his players to get their first win of the season, and said that the change of approach was a pivotal factor in getting yet another famous result against Celtic.
“I enjoyed the result,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming but they were fantastic and the players have to take massive credit - they were brilliant.
“We had to change the system and shape, I had to tweak it and change the personnel within the shape.
“I had to come with a different gameplan. I knew I had to get Shinnie higher up the park and he was incredible.”
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